Precision Shunt Resistors Incorporate Bulk Metal Foil Technology

The VPG Foil Resistors product group of Vishay Precision Group has announced the global market launch of the Alpha Electronics FNP series, a family of high-power precision shunt resistors.

Design of the Alpha Electronics FNP series incorporates VPG’s own proprietary Bulk Metal Foil technology for a low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) down to 0±1 ppm/°C, depending upon selected model. Integration of a Pt100 sensor within the FNP Series allows for accurate onboard temperature monitoring of the resistive element, with added performance stability. Units feature a maximum handling capability of 500W rated power, with no standard resistance value. An integral copper plate helps the FNP series to achieve an improved thermal resistance specification of 0.1°C/W (0.3°C/W standard), while a resistance tolerance of 0.05% ensures minimized energy consumption. Standard resistance values of the FNP series range from 0.001 ohm to 1 ohm, with improved maximum ambient temperature to +125°C (from +85°C) for conventional models.

The VPG Foil Resistors product group has been a manufacturer of Bulk Metal Foil resistors since 1978. Known worldwide for their accuracy and reliability, the group’s Alpha Electronics brand components are widely specified within a range of applications, including automated test equipment (ATE); weighing scales; precision instrumentation; aerospace and military electronics; in-laboratory and metrology; industrial process control; high-end audio; and others. In addition, the Alpha Electronics brand now offers Bulk Metal Foil metrology standard resistors that conform to Japanese National Standards regulations, thanks to its collaborative efforts with the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMJ). In addition to its product technologies, the group offers complete production capabilities for both standard and Bulk Metal Foil resistors, with expert in-laboratory component QA analysis and reliability testing, complete support for custom requirements, and a world class in-house calibration laboratory.

The Alpha Electronics FNP series is ideal for any automotive, industrial, or power electronics application requiring the accurate detection of overcurrent conditions or remaining battery power levels. They may be specified within ATE, factory floor robotics, motor and drive controls, and medical diagnostics equipment, as well as used as both a precision high-voltage power supply output reference; or, as a high-accuracy reference for battery charge-discharge tests. Units are both lead-free and RoHS compliant.