– AEC-Q200-Qualified High Power Resistors –

Shrinking product designs have one more component hero in the quest to improve power system density. Prevalent in all types of electronic applications, power resistors serve the very useful purpose of withstanding and dissipating large amounts of power in the form of electric resistance. Engineers today are asked to design applications with increasing power densities, which directly correspond to the demand for resistors. Leading manufacturers of these mighty passive components are answering current application requirements with new power resistor designs that are able to tolerate higher amounts of power in small and smaller form factors.

Use of AEC-Q200 compliant components is not limited to the automotive industry. Other industries have also recognized the benefits of using parts that meet consistent rugged operation standards.

Power resistors serve two primary functions:  to absorb the inrush current caused by the switching action of a power device such as a MOSFET or IGBT, or as a shunt to measure and control current such as in a power supply. Today’s advanced resistors are made of thick film on ceramic technology. This technology offers inherent low inductance advantages, which are quite useful in circuits where switching frequencies of 50 KHz are common. Thick film on ceramic technology also has another benefit. It is able to absorb large amounts of power.

An important consideration in selecting a high power thick film resistor for applications in harsh or demanding conditions is that they be AEC-Q200 compliant. AEC-Q200 is a global automotive standard for passive components to ensure temperature, pressure resistance and safety consistency. AEC-Q200 compliant components must pass a stringent set of stress tests contained within the standard. You can view the AEC-Q200 standard at this link:  http://www.aecouncil.com/AECDocuments.html

What developer wouldn’t want standards-based “peace of mind” in specifying components for more rugged environmental applications?  Understanding this ongoing need, Bourns recently introduced its Model PWR247T-100 high power resistor series. Offered in a compact TO-247 package, it is engineered with a thick film resistive element on a white alumina ceramic substrate to deliver exceptionally low inductance benefits. Because this type of element enables heat sink contact that is electrically isolated from the resistive element, Bourns’ latest resistor is able to absorb power up to 100 watts when properly mounted to a heat sink.

Bourns offers one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of AEC-Q200 compliant products consisting of resistors, magnetics and circuit protection products fully tested and qualified for the automotive market and beyond. Does your next design require the high and mighty benefits that new compact AEC-Q200 compliant high power resistors can deliver?  Learn more: http://www.bourns.com/products/fixed-resistors