Thick film chip resistors deliver increased accuracy
A new series of thick film surface-mount chip resistors have been introduced by Vishay Intertechnology, which feature four-terminal Kelvin connections and high power ratings of 0.33W in the compact 0306 case size. Offering a power density over 3.3x higher than standard devices in the 0603 footprint, Vishay Dale RCWK0306 series resistors are designed to save space and reduce component counts in telecommunications, computer, industrial, and consumer applications.
With their high power density, the devices can be used instead of larger high power components or multiple lower power devices. This reduces board space requirements and placement costs, while enabling smaller and lighter end products. In addition, RCWK0306 series resistors provide higher reliability than larger thick film devices by reducing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch with the PCB, thereby lowering solder joint stress.
The resistors’ four-terminal Kelvin connection enables greater measurement accuracy with extremely low resistance values from 0.01-0.1Ω, and tolerance of 1%. RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, the devices feature a metal glaze thick film on high quality ceramic. They are optimised as current sensing resistors in DC/DC converters, voltage regulation modules, and inverters in mobile phones, computers, air conditioners, and heat pumps.