trashman said:I usually see it when I'm looking at stuff with with caps and resistors, but have no idea what it is, and i can't respect a value if i don't know what it is. i did a quick google and didnt find anything, maybe I am just not looking hard enough, but i thought i would ask
Tolerance refers to the allowable deviation from the stated value of a resistor or capacitor. It is usually expressed as a percentage and indicates how much the actual value of the component may vary from the ideal value.
Tolerance is typically specified as a plus or minus value, such as +/- 5%. This means that the actual value of the component can vary by 5% in either direction from the stated value. So, for a 1 kΩ resistor with a +/- 5% tolerance, the actual resistance could be anywhere between 950 Ω and 1050 Ω.
Tolerance is important because it ensures that the components used in a circuit are reliable and consistent. If a component has a wide tolerance, it could significantly affect the performance of the circuit and potentially cause it to fail. Therefore, selecting components with the appropriate tolerance is crucial for the proper functioning of electronic circuits.
In general, components with tighter tolerances are more expensive than those with wider tolerances. This is because tighter tolerances require more precise manufacturing processes, which can increase the production cost. However, for some applications, the cost of using components with tighter tolerances may be worth it to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the circuit.
No, tolerance is a fixed property of a component and cannot be adjusted or changed. However, you can select components with different tolerances for your circuit, depending on your specific requirements. In some cases, you can also use multiple components in parallel or series to achieve a desired tolerance range.