Resistors for High Temperature Applications

Abstract

Abstract The use and growth of high temperature electronics in a variety of applications (such as oil and gas exploration and production, automotive under the hood, aerospace and satellite/space to name a few), has necessitated a closer look at the technology used in passive components (such as resistors). A variety of resistor technologies may be suitable for high temperature applications. In the paper information, on thin film technologies (both nichrome and tantalum nitride thin film information is presented), thick film, and wire-wound construction is presented, with discussions regarding their respective characteristics that make them more or less suitable for high temperature and other excessive environments. This paper presents information on resistor construction details, material information and manufacturing processing, along with test data and performance summaries under short and long term high temperature conditions. Additionally, other pertinent test data through typical environmental tests is presented Although resistors and other passive components are often taken for granted, high temperature applications can tax the performance of many resistor types. The proper selection of resistive components will insure that the stability, temperature coefficient (and temperature coefficient tracking for resistor networks), and reliability is maintained to insure reliable circuit performance.