Power Metal Strip Resistor Featuring Kelvin 4-Terminal

Vishay Intertechnology announced a new surface-mount Power Metal Strip current sense resistor featuring a Kelvin 4-terminal connection that reduces TCR down to 35 ppm and enables tight tolerances down to 0.1 % for increased measurement accuracy. The Vishay Dale WSK1206 combines tight tolerance and low TCR with extremely low resistance values down to 0.01 Ω in the compact 1206 case size.

With its 4-terminal construction, the device released today reduces system errors while eliminating the need for system calibration. The advanced construction of the WSK1206 incorporates a solid metal nickel-chrome or manganese-copper resistive element with low TCR (< 20 ppm/°C). This results in a pulse tolerant, tight tolerance resistor in the 1206 package size that maintains the superior electrical characteristics of the Power Metal Strip construction. The device’s low resistance value minimizes excess power dissipation while its tight tolerance and low TCR improve circuit accuracy by reducing measurement error or eliminating the need for calibration during manufacturing or in the field, which reduces costs and/or improves end product performance.

The WSK1206 is ideal for all types of current sensing, voltage division, and pulse applications in power management for cell phones; DC/DC converters for servers, VRMs for laptops, and Li-Ion battery safety and management; industrial instrumentation; and automotive electronic control such as engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes, audio, and climate controls.

Like all Power Metal Strip resistors, the device features an all-welded construction that contributes to its superior electrical performance. A proprietary processing technique produces extremely low resistance values ranging from 0.01 Ω to 0.05 Ω, with tight tolerances of 0.1 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 %. The WSK1206 provides low thermal EMF (< 3 µV/°C) and a temperature range from -65 °C to +170 °C. The device is lead (Pb)-free, RoHS-compliant, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities of the new resistor are available now, with a lead time of six to eight weeks for larger orders.