Resistor categories with tolerance ratings of ±5% or greater are generally referred to as which class?

Introduction / Context:
Resistors are grouped by tolerance classes that indicate expected deviation from nominal value. Designers choose precision parts for tight control and general-purpose parts where wider variation is acceptable at lower cost.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Tolerance threshold of about ±5% or larger.
• Standard commodity resistors used in many noncritical applications.

Concept / Approach:
Precision resistors typically have tolerances tighter than ±1% (e.g., ±0.1% to ±1%). General-purpose resistors commonly have ±5% or ±10% tolerances, adequate for pull-ups, biasing, and general signal routing. Tolerance class impacts error budgets and matching performance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify tolerance: ≥ ±5% falls outside the precision category.Map to class: commodity carbon film or thick-film parts are generally classified as general-purpose.Therefore, the correct classification is general-purpose.

Verification / Alternative check:
Distributor catalogs categorize ±1% and tighter as precision; ±5% and ±10% are listed as general-purpose, confirming the terminology used in practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Precision: Reserved for ±1% or better (sometimes ±2%).
• SIP: Refers to a package style, not tolerance class.
• Wirewound: A construction type that can be either precision or power-rated; tolerance is not implied solely by being wirewound.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming construction type determines tolerance; process control and trimming dominate tolerance.
• Confusing package style with tolerance classification.

Final Answer:
general-purpose