The Effect of Microwave Trimming on Electrical and Stability Characteristics of Polymer Thick Film Resistors
Y. Srinivasa Rao, K. V. Subrahmanyam, B. Poornaiah and B. Rambabu
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of microwave trimming on the electrical and stability characteristics of polymer thick film resistors, namely polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-graphite thick film resistors.
Design Methodology / approach: We applied microwave radiation in the form of pulses to polymer thick film resistors and observed the variation of electrical parameters like resistivity, current noise and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and stability characteristics like long term temperature storage effect, thermal cycling effect and humidity effect.
Findings: The paper finds that microwave trimming can be used to improve the electrical and stability characteristics of polymer thick film resistors.
Research limitations / Implications: The research implication of this paper is that we can improve the electrical and stability characteristics of polymer thick film resistors by using microwave trimming method.
Practical implication: The practical implication of this paper is that we can improve the electrical and stability characteristics of polymer thick film resistors namely PVC-graphite thick film resistors by using microwave trimming method.
Originality / value: The value of the paper is in showing the improvement of electrical and stability characteristics of polymer thick film resistors with microwave trimming.
Keywords: Microwave trimming, electrical characteristics, stability characteristics, polymer resistor