Pulse

Stackpole has announced automotive-grade high-reliability chip resistors aimed at applications with pulse handling requirements.

"Typically, the manufacturing process for thick film chip resistors allows for variation in the calibration trim, leading to variation in pulse handling performance," according to the company, whose "RPCA series addresses these needs, providing reliable and repeatable pulse handling behaviour."

The key is having no calibration trim – available in ‘standard power’ 5%, 10% and 20% tolerance versions (graph left).

Sizes range across 0603 to 2512, and there are 0402 types with no pulse rating.

As an example: a 1kΩ 2512 resistor from the family can handle a 1.2/50μs pulse at over 2kV.

Within the RPCA range there are also ‘high-power’ and ‘ultra-high power’ types which have resistive elements on both sides. Together with ‘standard’ 0.5% and 1% types, these have less pulse-handling capability (graph below right).

RPCA resistors are AEC-Q200 compliant for automotive use, and the company also sees them being used in switching power supplies, motor controls, thermostats and oven controls, defibrillators, small appliances, electric hand tools, welding equipment and industrial equipment.

The RPCA series data sheet can be found here