A simple resistor network is one in which a group of resistors is laid out in series (end to end) and a power source is connected to one side whereas the other is grounded.  Each conductive node between each resistive element will have a lower voltage value than the previous (starting from a positive voltage source).  This allows precise voltage levels to be tapped and utilized instead of complex DC-to-DC conversion being required.  Inherent resistor capabilities also allow for far more complex networks to be designed.  Often an electric device called a DAC (digital to analog converter) use a network called a resistor ladder to take in digital inputs and read out certain nodes to create an analog signal out.

Resistor networks and arrays contain two or more resistive elements arranged in a variety of patterns.  There are many potential uses for a specific pattern of resistors because of their inherent ability to change the voltage and current within a system.  The power and importance of these networks comes through tapping to different nodes within the network.  The nodes in a resistive array that aren’t at ground or main power will have voltage and current characteristics which are unique and that result from the specific arrangement and values of each resistor.