Bourns has introduced the CFG-A Series of wide-terminal metal foil current-sense resistors for automotive battery management, powertrain electronics, and other high-reliability current-measurement applications.
The AEC-Q200-compliant resistors are available in 0508 and 0612 footprints, with resistance values from 1 to 30 mΩ and power ratings of up to 2 W. Their compact construction is intended for systems where increasing current levels and limited PCB space make thermal management and measurement stability more difficult.
For electric vehicles (EVs), the resistors can be used to measure current in battery-management systems, dc-dc converters, motor drives, and other power-electronic circuits. Accurate current sensing helps these systems monitor power flow, protect components, and manage battery and powertrain operation.
The series uses a metal foil sensing element to provide lower temperature coefficient of resistance and improved stability under sustained electrical loads compared with conventional thick-film current-sense resistors.
Its wide-terminal geometry provides a larger path for transferring heat from the resistive element to the PCB. This can reduce localized heating and help limit resistance drift in compact ECUs and power-conversion modules.
The CFG0508A covers resistance values from 1 to 10 mΩ and is rated for up to 1.5 W at 70 °C. The CFG0612A covers 1 to 30 mΩ and supports up to 2 W at 70 °C. Depending on the model and resistance value, TCR ratings range from ±50 to ±100 ppm/°C.
Design features
- Metal foil sensing element: Supports low resistance values with reduced drift for precision current measurement.
- Wide-terminal construction: Spreads heat across a larger PCB pad area while reducing thermal resistance and mechanical stress.
- AEC-Q200 compliance: Includes qualification for high-temperature exposure, thermal cycling, biased humidity, and operational-life testing.
- Low TCR: Available down to ±50 ppm/° C for resistance values of 5 mΩ and above, depending on the model.
- Operating temperature range: Rated from −55° to +155° C.
- Power ratings up to 2 W: The 0612 version is rated at 2 W, while the 0508 version supports up to 1.5 W at 70° C.
- Resistance range: Available from 1 to 10 mΩ in the CFG0508A and from 1 to 30 mΩ in the CFG0612A, with ±1% and ±5% tolerances.
- Moisture Sensitivity Level 1: Compatible with solder-reflow temperatures up to 260° C.
- Environmental compliance: RoHS compliant and halogen free.
Target applications include EV and 48 V mild-hybrid power electronics, automotive battery-management systems, powertrain current sensing, motor drives, dc-dc converters, switching power supplies, and precision current-measurement circuits.
Filed Under: Power Electronics, Technology News