MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA - May 15, 2003 - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (VSH: NYSE) today announced a new series of ultra-precision, 2-m Ω, surface-mount, current-sensing resistors featuring a four-terminal (Kelvin) design and TCR values as low as ±15 ppm/°C for uniquely high stability and performance in voltage division and precision current-sensing applications.

Intended for switching linear power supplies, power amplifiers, and measurement instrumentation, the compact CSM2512 and CSM3637 resistors from Vishay Foil Resistors feature an all-welded construction made up of a Bulk Metal® resistive element with 60/40 tin/lead-plated copper terminations. Vishay's Bulk Metal technology enables the new resistors to provide superior TCR performance over larger, competing devices, as well as excellent long-term stability and ultra-precision tolerances down to ±0.1%.

The CSM2512 features a 1-W power rating over its entire resistance range from 3 mW to 200 mΩ, while the CSM3637 is rated for 3 W from 2 mΩ to 10 mΩ and for 2 W from >10 mΩ up to 200 mΩ. In addition to low ohmic values, the CSM2512 and CSM3637 offer compact dimensions of just 0.25 in. by 0.125 in. [6.35 mm by 3.175 mm] and 0.360 in. by 0.370 in. [9.14 mm by 9.4 mm], respectively, with a height profile of 0.025 in. [0.635 mm].

Both new devices are specified for an operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C. Depending on the specific requirements of their applications, designers may choose from tolerance options of ±0.1%, ±0.25%, ±0.5%, and ±1.0%.

Available in waffle-pack or tape-and-reel packaging, samples and production quantities of the CSM series resistors are available now. Lead time for production quantities is approximately 12 weeks.