Vishay Intertechnology, has launched its new MCB RPWA 650 series of thick film power resistors, designed to provide up to 650 W of continuous power in a compact, low-profile package. The devices can be configured with custom cabling and optional integrated temperature sensing, helping reduce the number of components needed. This space-saving approach makes circuit designs and assembly simpler while improving overall power density.
The high power capabilities and compact package of the devices released today allow designers to achieve higher power density, reducing the number of parallel resistors required. Their performance is supported by a “cold system” baseplate design that enables efficient heat transfer to an external heatsink (not supplied), maintaining stable operation over a wide temperature range from -55 °C to +155 °C.
To further streamline designs, RPWA 650 series devices integrate a power resistor and optional embedded NTC temperature sensor in a single housing. Customizable cabling and an easy-mount design with self-calibrating pressure eliminate the need for board-level soldering, reduce wiring and assembly complexity, and enable faster plug and play integration in power modules and assemblies.
Offering a wide range of resistance values from 6.2 Ω to 1 MΩ, with tolerances down to ± 5 %, the RPWA 650 series supports a variety of circuit functions, including precharge, discharge, active discharge, power conversion, and snubber operations. The devices are ideal for automotive, energy, industrial, medical, and avionics systems used in harsh environments.
The resistors provide high voltage capability with maximum operating voltage up to 6000 VDC, dielectric strength to 7000 VRMS, and typical self-inductance of ≤ 40 nH. For high voltage and fast-switching circuits, this combination enables accurate energy dissipation and minimizes transient overshoot. The devices also offer high pulse energy capability, supporting repetitive operation up to 3.5 J per pulse for 50 μs pulses. The RoHS-compliant resistors are pending AEC-Q200 qualification.
Samples and production quantities of the RPWA 650 series are available now, with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks.
