Resistor Technology and Applications – Blog
Thick Film Resistor In Radar Applications
RADAR systems may be complex but their operation relies on a range of relatively simple resistor components. Resistors are used in pulse forming, sensing, switching, current limiting and RF termination applications, among others. In the late 1800’s Heinrick Hertz...
Thick Film Resistors Vs Thin Film – A Comparison
What are the advantages of thick film resistors over their thin film cousins? In this post, we consider the ideal resistor and discuss how both thin film and thick film resistors compare with that ideal. The Ideal Resistor The perfect resistor has zero capacitance and...
Current Sense Resistors In Power Applications
Current sense resistors work by detecting and converting current to voltage. The current flow through the resistor is calculated based on the voltage drop across the resistor. The voltage drop (measured in millivolts) is measured using precision amplifier circuits. In...
Comparing resistor technologies
When comparing resistors, their performance may appear to be similar but it is important to understand the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of each resistor technology. In reality, no material or manufacturing method is perfect. Ambient temperature, moisture,...
Resistor Networks In Resistor Ladder Applications
When a basic digital to analog conversion is required a resistor ladder is the perfect choice. In this post we discuss how to build a resistor ladder, application limitations and how application specific resistor networks can mitigate the impact of those limitations....
Snubber Resistors In Power Electronic Applications
Snubber resistors are used in a variety of power electronic applications as circuit protection elements. They suppress voltage spikes that could damage sensitive electronic components. Snubbers are used in a wide range of applications including lamp ballast, and...
Power Resistor Derating For High Temperature
In complex electronic systems, the issue of power resistor derating for high temperature can often be overlooked. The system designer may have many design issues to consider. Passive components, such as power resistors, can often be the last to be evaluated, if at...
Thick Film High Voltage Resistor Applications
A thick film high voltage resistor can be used in a wide range of applications. These include power supplies, ESD protection, Electron Microscope, Air Ionising equipment, RADAR equipment and ATE. Example circuits include high voltage bleeder, voltage balancing,...
Thick Film Power Resistor Mounting Considerations
Inappropriate thick film power resistor mounting can compromise resistor performance. In this post, we cover the key points to consider. Position on System Board The primary heat dissipation mechanism of a thick film power resistor is through radiation. It is...
Power resistor ESD sensitivity
The most common cause of power resistor ESD damage is a direct transfer of an electric charge from either a human body or a charged material to the power resistor device. ESD damage may be divided into three main categories 1. Parametric failure The ESD event...
Using Resistor Networks In Matched Resistor Applications
Matched resistors are utilised in many applications including sensors for commercial, medical and military markets and pulse squaring elements. However, the most common applications is resistor divider circuits for amplifier applications. This article focuses on how...
High Voltage Resistor Design
A wide range of high voltage resistor devices is available to a variety of quality standards. It is important for the designer to understand the trade-off between cost and reliability and to fully understand the application if resistor failure is to be avoided. A...