Resistor Technology and Applications – Blog
Industrial Power Resistor Manufacturing – Optimising For Performance
By optimising the industrial power resistor manufacturing process, manufacturers can improve resistor performance and reliability, tolerance, voltage rating, TCR, stability and power rating. In this article, we cover the manufacturing process of industrial power...
Resistor Heatsinks in High Power Applications
In many high-power applications such as motors and power supplies power resistors are used in the main power line. Their purpose is to prevent damage or to deliver a level of control. Resistors in these applications are subjected to a constant, relatively high,...
Resistors in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications
Resistors are found in many applications in standard combustion engine cars. Resistors in hybrid vehicles have additional applications in battery management (BMS) and dynamic braking systems. A hybrid car uses two different energy sources to maximise efficiency. This...
Thick Film Power Resistor Thermal Management
Current flow through a resistor generates heat, which must be dissipated to the environment. Without appropriate thermal management, a power resistor will not operate to specification. Over the medium to long term, it will probably fail. Before deciding what action to...
Thick Film Resistors In Automotive Applications
Thick film resistors are used in a wide range of automotive applications. They are found in the car cabin, in audio and in-car navigation systems. More demanding applications include ‘under the hood’ engine control, oil and air temperature and fuel efficiency sensors....
Resistors In Electric Motor Applications
In this post, we consider resistors in electric motor applications. AC, DC, and special purpose motors are used in a vast array of applications. Some motor applications are relatively simple and the only concern is the motor start-up and shutdown. Here cost,...
Thick Film Resistor Types
There are several thick film resistor types, each designed for specific applications. In this post, we discuss each of the main resistor types, their construction, key parameters and applications. The Thick Film Resistor Marketplace The global thick film resistor...
Thick Film Resistor Values
Thick film resistor values typically range from 0.01 Ohm to 50GOhm. By using specialist materials and manufacturing techniques it is possible to manufacture very high-value resistors in the low TOhm range, but these tend to be high-cost devices for specialist...
Thick Film Resistor Ageing
In this post, we consider the impact of stressors and the passing of time on resistor performance. Thick film resistor ageing is not a concern where resistors operate in relatively benign environments. Long term data from many existing applications shows that resistor...
Heater Resistor Applications
Heater resistors apply a controlled level of heat to a specific area. In theory, a givenpower input to a fixed resistor will deliver a specified temperature at a specific point. In some applications, the variance in the heat level applied and its stability is...
Selecting A High Power Resistor Technology
In some applications, selecting the correct high-power resistor is critical. Equipment can be damaged, or operator safety compromised if a high-power resistor fails in service. High power resistors are generally defined as having a power rating of more than 5W. They...
Thick Film Resistor Bridges In Pressure Sensor Applications
Thick film resistor bridges convert the physical quantity of pressure into an electrical quantity proportional to the pressure applied. They measure the pressure in liquids or gases. In this post, we compare three types of pressure sensors. Then illustrate the...