CSM3637P
Vishay Foil Resistors
ABOUT CSM3637P (Low Ohm Value 3 m to 100 m)
This new high-precision Bulk Metal® surface-mount Power
Metal Strip® resistor of 3 m to 100 m features an
improved load-life stability of ± 0.2 % at + 70 °C for 2000 h at
rated power, an absolute TCR of ± 15 ppm/°C maximum
from - 55 °C to + 125 °C, + 25 °C ref., and a tolerance of
± 0.1 %.
resistors, is minimized, while the pure current-to-voltage
conversion is protected from such interference in DC
applications.
The stability problems associated with analog circuits are
very pervasive, but knowledgeable selection of a few
high-quality resistors, networks, or trimming potentiometers
in critical locations can greatly improve circuit performance,
long-term application-related performance, as well as the
designer’s peace-of-mind.
Typical current sensing resistors exhibit 2000 hour load-life
changes more than 5 times greater than the CSM3637P. The
improved resistance stability of the CSM Series makes it
ideal for tightened-stability voltage division and precision
current sensing applications in switching linear power
supplies, power amplifiers, measurement instrumentation,
bridge networks, and medical and test equipment.
Additionally, the overall system cost is often reduced when a
knowledgeable designer concentrates costs in a few
exceptionally stable components whose proven minimal-
deviation load and environmental stability can often eliminate
the necessity of additional compensating circuitry or
temperature-controlling systems. The higher reliability and
better overall system performances also achieve excellent
product results in the field, enhancing market acceptance
and product reputation.
Traditional Passive current sensors and shunts generate
heat under power, which changes their resistance, and thus
their voltage output. The CSM’s low absolute TCR of
± 15 ppm/°C reduces errors due to temperature changes,
thus reducing a major source of uncertainty in current
measurement. The CSM can withstand unconventional
environmental conditions, including the extremely high
temperatures and radiation-rich environments of down-hole
oil exploration and well logging, or the deep-sea underwater
repeaters in cross-ocean communications.
Designers often unnecessarily pay for tighter tolerances than
required simply to accommodate the resistance stability
shifts they know to be imminent in an application due to the
large application-related changes in the components they
selected. Selection of a high-stability component like the
CSM in these applications eliminates the need for shift
allowance due to “planned instability” and allows the use of
looser initial tolerances than would be necessary with
current-sensing resistors based on other technologies.
The stability of the CSM3637P can be further enhanced by
post-manufacturing operations (PMO), such as temperature
cycling, short-time overload, and accelerated load life which
are uniquely applicable to Bulk Metal® Foil Technology.
The device features a low thermal electromotive force (EMF)
that is critical in many precision DC applications. The CSM’s
all-welded construction is composed of a Bulk Metal®
resistive element with welded copper terminations, plated for
soldering. The terminations make true ohmic contact with the
resistive layer along the entire side of the resistive element,
thereby minimizing temperature variations. Also, the resistor
element is designed to uniformly dissipate power without
creating hot spots, and the welded terminations material is
compatible with the element material.
The Key Applications
Applications requiring accuracy and repeatability under
stress conditions such as the following:
Switching and linear power supplies
Precision current-sensing
Power management systems
Feedback circuits
Power amplifiers
Measurement instrumentation
Precision instrumentation amplifiers
Medical and automatic test equipment
Satellites and aerospace systems
Commercial and Military avionics
Test and measurement equipment
Electronic scales
These design factors result in a very low thermal-EMF
(3 µV/°C) resistor because, in addition to the low thermal
EMF compatibility of the metals, the uniformity and thermal
efficiency of the design minimizes the temperature
differential across the resistor, thereby assuring low thermal
EMF generation at the leads. This further reduces the
“battery effect” exhibited by most current-sensing or
voltage-reference resistors. Thus, the parasitic voltage
generated at the junction of two dissimilar metals, which is
especially important in low-value DC current-sensing
www.vishayfoilresistors.com
2
For any questions, contact: foil@vishaypg.com
Document Number: 63210
Revision: 31-Oct-11