The MU ultra-precision resistor 1-2-3 network series from Alpha Electronics offers a 3 terminal, 2 element resistor network in a small surface-mount package. Each resistive element can range from 10Ω up to 20kΩ all with tight tolerances down to +0.02% absolute and +0.01% matching (1kΩ to 20kΩ). By utilising Alpha’s Bulk Metal® foil resistor technology, they are able to produce this resistor network series with low temperature coefficients (both absolute and tracking) as well as excellent long-term stability. The Alpha MU series J-lead terminals provide flexibility once the parts are soldered to the board compared to standard fixed surface-mount resistors.
2 element resistor network
Each resistor element is available in any resistance between 10Ω and 20kΩ
Surface-mount moulded package with J-lead terminations
Tight absolute tolerance of ±0.02% for resistances between 1kΩ and 20kΩ with an even tighter matching tolerance of ±0.01% over the same resistance range available
Tight absolute TCR of ±5 ppm/°C (from -55°C up to +125°C, between 100Ω and 20kΩ)
Tight tracking TCR available of between ±1 ppm/°C and ±5 ppm/°C depending on resistance ratio between the two elements
Power rating of 0.05W per resistor element (at +125°C)
Maximum rated operating temperature +125°C
Temperature range from -65°C up to +150°C
The MU surface-mount, ultra-precision resistor 1-2-3 network series exhibits excellent high frequency characteristics thanks to Alpha’s Bulk Metal® foil resistor technology, making them suitable for the most demanding precision applications.
Alpha’s MU resistor network series are ideal for use in input and feedback resistors for amplifiers due to both the input and feedback resistors being incorporated into the same package, therefore amplification is not affected by temperature change.
The below table gives a summary of the specifications and options available for the Alpha MU series:
* Symbols parenthesized are for part number composition
** Please contact us for resistance availability
We are pleased to provide you with a range of videos, please see below for the latest content available:
VIDEOS
Resistor Stability Put to the Test (Demo Video)
In this video, our host Richard Zuratt puts the stability of the three major resistor technologies — foil, thin, and thick film — to the test. Each resistor type is subjected to an overload pulse and its change in resistance value is recorded. Due to the homogeneous nature of the VPG Bulk Metal® Foil resistor, it is the only of the three to experience no change from the high power pulse. This demonstrated performance makes foil resistors the technology of choice for critical applications where long-term stability and survivability are paramount.
Advantages of Using Bulk Metal® Foil Resistors in High-Humidity Environments
All resistors that are based on nichrome, which is a category that includes both thin film devices and Bulk Metal Foil resistors, are susceptible to electro-chemical corrosion or etching when placed in a high humidity environment and powered with a very low wattage. But since the nichrome element of a Bulk Metal Foil resistor is hundreds of times thicker than the element in a thin film device with the same value, it will last much longer under these conditions. This video shows the actual etching process and survival times for thin film and foil nichrome resistive elements as they are tested in 100% humidity conditions.
Comparison Testing of Chip Resistor Technologies Under High Vibration
Surface-mount resistors suffer physical stresses when exposed to high vibration or thermally unstable environments. Failure modes commonly occur in welds, solder joints, connectors, and terminations, ultimately resulting in circuit failure. In this demonstration, vibration-table-mounted boards are subjected to ±2° deflection 25 times per second and monitored for any ΔR > 0.1%. All the chip resistors failed in 2 to 12 minutes (8K to 16K cycles). But the Alpha MPP molded Bulk Metal® Z-Foil resistor with flexible terminations experienced over a million cycles with no change in resistance.
VIDEOS
Resistor Stability Put to the Test (Demo Video
In this video, our host Richard Zuratt puts the stability of the three major resistor technologies — foil, thin, and thick film — to the test. Each resistor type is subjected to an overload pulse and its change in resistance value is recorded. Due to the homogeneous nature of the VPG Bulk Metal® Foil resistor, it is the only of the three to experience no change from the high power pulse. This demonstrated performance makes foil resistors the technology of choice for critical applications where long-term stability and survivability are paramount.
Advantages of Using Bulk Metal® Foil Resistors in High-Humidity Environments
All resistors that are based on nichrome, which is a category that includes both thin film devices and Bulk Metal Foil resistors, are susceptible to electro-chemical corrosion or etching when placed in a high humidity environment and powered with a very low wattage. But since the nichrome element of a Bulk Metal Foil resistor is hundreds of times thicker than the element in a thin film device with the same value, it will last much longer under these conditions. This video shows the actual etching process and survival times for thin film and foil nichrome resistive elements as they are tested in 100% humidity conditions.
Surface-mount resistors suffer physical stresses when exposed to high vibration or thermally unstable environments. Failure modes commonly occur in welds, solder joints, connectors, and terminations, ultimately resulting in circuit failure. In this demonstration, vibration-table-mounted boards are subjected to ±2° deflection 25 times per second and monitored for any ΔR > 0.1%. All the chip resistors failed in 2 to 12 minutes (8K to 16K cycles). But the Alpha MPP molded Bulk Metal® Z-Foil resistor with flexible terminations experienced over a million cycles with no change in resistance.
Alpha MU Series Resources
Product Datasheet
Alpha MU Series Datasheet
Alpha Electronics MU ultra-precision surface-mount 1-2-3 resistor network series datasheet
Supporting Product Information
Alpha Manufacturing and Product Information
Alpha Electronics manufacturing process, adjustment of resistance value construction, and temperature characteristics of resistance information
Please be advised that due to the ongoing supply issues with raw materials affecting the global electronics industry, as well as an increase in orders received by our manufacturing partners, a large number of products are facing increased lead times in recent months. For the latest lead time and stock availability, please contact one of our engineers who will be happy to discuss lead times further and the potential for alternative parts.
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