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For design engineers facing thermal cycling issues with power components in high-temperature environments, IRC has developed a "capped" version of its cylindrical power resistor that delivers thermal compliance and thermal isolation from circuit boards. The SMC Series Metal Glaze resistors are available in ratings up to 2 watts.

Designed to solve the problem of thermal mismatch between FR4 PC boards and ceramic components.

Applications include high power-density applications, such as underhood automotive control units, GFI control circuits, as well as any application where high thermal stress is present. Can be a potential cost saving replacement for bulky surface-mount wirewound devices.

Rated for 1 W at 70ºC, with resistance values from 0.1Ω to 1MΩ, in standard tolerances of ±1%, ±2% and ±5%, with TCRs as low as ±25ppm/ºC. SMC2 Series resistors are rated for 2W at 25ºC, with resistance values from 0..2Ω to 2.2MΩ, in standard tolerances of ±1%, ±2% and ±5%, with TCRs as low as ±25ppm/ºC. Operating temperature range is from -55° to +150°C. All are RoHS compliant and suitable for high-temperature soldering processes.

Feature a MetalGlaze thick film element fired at 1,000ºC to a solid ceramic substrate and a high temperature dielectric coating that is impervious to degradation in high-moisture environments.

IRC Wirewound and Film Technologies Division, www.irctt.com

KIC has expanded its library of solder paste process windows within the KIC 2000 software to 788. This number includes reflow and cure specs, as well as a host of new lead-free solder paste process windows.

The library is scheduled to be updated with new pastes every quarter, and is available for download to KIC 2000 platform users free of charge. With the addition of solder pastes to the library, the following dialog will be displayed on the Web site when a user clicks to download the file: "This release of the KIC 2000 Solder Paste Specs Library contains updated information for the following manufacturers: Almit, Avantec, Cobar, Indium, Kester, Koki, Loctite and Multicore." For paste manufacturers that are not listed above, KIC will attempt to provide updated information in the next release. If a solder paste is being used that is not listed in the Library, users can select the "Define Your Own Spec" option and manually enter the data that is given on the technical data sheet provided by that paste's manufacturer.

Each future update will contain the list of any manufacturer whose data has been changed/updated. This allows the user to know ahead of time whether they need download the file or not.

KIC, www.kic-thermal.com

Macromelt is a low-pressure moulding solution for packaging of vehicle sensors. By replacing conventional sensor enclosures that require potting, it reduces the complexity, time and cost to assemble the large number of sensors required by modern vehicles.

Simultaneously encapsulates the sensor's circuitry and forms the outer shell of the component to enable a self-contained and highly integrated component. The composition of the moulding material, a polyamide hotmelt, is available in a variety of formulations.

Compatible with a range of vehicle sensors and highly miniaturised door-handle electronics as well as new technologies such as intelligent battery sensors and screen-mounted antennas with integral cable stress relief. Pre-moulded connectors and sealed units plus grommets and strain relief components can also be manufactured.

Available in translucent amber or black, standard, with a variety of colors available to special order. Resistant to fluids commonly found in automotive environment such as antifreeze, petrol or diesel and hydraulic fluid. Can operate from -40 to +150 ºC.

Henkel, www.electronics.henkel.com