Datasheet

Specifications on this catalog are for reference only, as they are subject to change without notice.
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Thick Film Printed Circuit Resistors are screen printed layers of
resistive, conductive and/or dielectric pastes deposited on different
types of substrates, like FR, CEM, Alumina, Polyester, Polyimide,
PA, Dielectric on Metal etc.
There are two basic technologies depending on the type of pastes
applied: Carbon and Cermet, the latter needed on applications where
high power dissipation is required or when resistor value stability at
high temperatures is important.
Potentiometer Tracks is the type of Printed Circuit Resistors that
ACP specializes in. This is one of our core competences and it is
the heart of all our potentiometer families. Our know-how includes
the expertise in the different technologies involved in the production
process:
- Pastes and inks formulation and blending
- Screen printing in type C (class 10.000) clean room
- Curing or Sintering
- Laser trimming
- Automated testing
Design patterns and shapes are varied; every specific project has
different geometrical requirements. We are able to process from
single to multiple circuit panel configurations, with maximum panel
dimensions of: 280mm - 180mm (Pattern 250mm x 150mm).
Let us know about your project and our engineers will propose the
most suitable designs for each specific application. In many
instances, mixed solutions where Potentiometer Tracks, Trimmed
Fixed Resistors and Contact Switches are combined, make the
most cost effective circuit design.
Features
- Resistive element: Resistive blends from 10 to 1M Ohm/square
allow for a wide range of resistive tracks and values.
- Tapers: Linear tapers with up to 1.8% independent linearity, step
functions, logarithmic and antilog curves. Combination of
potentiometer and on/off switches or symmetrical double track
potentiometers.
- Tolerance: Laser trimming up to 1% of Rn.
- Minimum resistive track separation: Up to 0.3mm between adjacent
tracks.
- Type of substrates: FR2, FR4, CEM1, CEM2, Polyester, Polyimide,
Polyamide, Alumina.
- Mechanical life: The Mechanical Life performance depends on the
interaction between the wiper and the resistive track contact
surfaces. A balanced wear of both surfaces is key to guarantee
the expected results. Several factors have an influence:
- Wiper: Geometry, material, finishing, pressure, number of fingers,
finger tip shape.
- Inks: Type of ink, ink blend, materials contained and the process
parameters when deposited and cured, geometry of the printed
pad.
- Speed of wiping slide cycle.
- Climatic conditions: Working Temperature and Humidity.
Thermal cycles: Temperature and humidity cycles.
- Working environment.
- Lubricants: They can help providing a good performance,
however, they are not always needed.
A detailed and comprehensive understanding of the above
parameters is fundamental in order to provide the adequate PCR
track and substrate: We have solutions that range from 10.000 to
5.000.000 cycles under aggressive thermal and climate conditions.
Aplications
Applications where Potentiometer Tracks can be applied can be
classified in two major types: 1) Position Sensors and 2) Switches
& Controls. Examples in different markets are listed below:
Automotive and Vehiche Markets
Position Sensors: Feedback Potentiometers on HVAC Actuators,
Side Mirror Memory Actuators, Throttle Sensors, Head Lamp
Levelling Actuators, Fuel Tank Senders, Start-Stop, Steering
Wheel Angle Sensor, Drive by Wire, Break by Wire, Seat
Positioning Actuators, Adaptive Front Lighting, etc.
Switches and Controls: Climate Control Switches (Fan Speed,
Temperature Setting, Air Flow Distribution), Head Lamp Levelling
Switch, Dash Board Light Dimmer, Seat Heating Controls, Haptic
Control, Light Switch, Airbag Enable/ Disable Switch, etc.
Industrial and Consumer Markets
Position Sensors: Feedback Potentiometers on different types
of Actuators (HVAC, Window Blinds, Valve Controls,)
Switches and Controls: Joystick Controls, Speed Control of
Professional Power Tools, DIY tools, Garden and Lawn Electric
Tools.
How to Order
Thick-Film solutions are customized. We kindly request a drawing
with dimensions, electrical use, application, mechanical life and other
significant data.
Please, send us your project specifications and we will send you
our proposal.
THICK FILM SOLUTIONS
PRINTED CIRCUIT RESISTORS
THICK FILM