High-precision resistor offers unique capabilities

VPG Foil Resistors has released the FRFS0402, its smallest ultra-high-precision Bulk Metal Foil technology resistor, which features a standoff construction that improves regular flip-chip technology.

The device is ideal for use in telecommunication network equipment (including 5G, downhole data centre, or fibre optics), medical equipment (including pacemakers or hearing-aids), high-temperature applications, automated test equipment (ATE), mid-range audio, handheld meters and other small size instrumentation or control equipment. It also can be employed in avionics, defence, and space (AMS) applications.

The company's invention of a unique flip-chip construction with standoffs offers a breakthrough for mounting reliability and assembly efficiency since it provides for regular visual inspection and adds more robustness to the soldering points. Also, the thicker terminals improve the component’s power rating due to improved heat dissipation and provide 40% PCB space savings compared to conventional wraparound components. With more than two years of production use, its flip-chip design has not experienced any known cases of solder cracks or other mounting issues.

Originally custom-designed to satisfy the demands of a fibre optics network equipment manufacturer, the company is now providing the device flip-chip package with standoffs for standard purchase.

Using a Z1 Foil Technology resistive element, the device builds on the latest evolution of the Bulk Metal Foil technology, making it the best performing 0402 size resistor available in the market. It features a maximum TCR of ±2.5ppm/C (–55C to +125C, +25C Ref) and a very high typical long-term stability of 0.01% (100ppm) at +70C, 2,000h (at rated power).

The Bulk Metal Foil technology furthermore provides other inherent advantages over alternative resistors, including tolerance to ±0.05% (500ppm), a non-inductive, non-capacitive, non-hot-spot design, and a short time overload capability of ≤0.01% (100ppm).