Influence of short voltage pulses on thick-film resistors at elevated temperature

This paper presents systematic studies of geometrical and electrical properties of thick-film resistors with dimensions from 0.3×0.3 mm2 to 0.6×1.5 mm2. Test structures were prepared basing on commercially available resistive pastes (DuPont 2000 series) with different sheet resistance. Structures were manufactured on standard alumina substrates. Additionally, part of structures were covered with protective overglaze layer. The geometrical parameters and electrical properties are correlated with durability of resistors to short electrical pulses applied to the structures at room as well as elevated temperature up to 300 °C. There were analyzed allowable electric field and surface power density for resistors in dependence of resistor dimensions and temperature (the criterion of relative resistance changes smaller than ±10% was assumed).