Gordon Y Mcclure

US Patent:

47328029, Mar 22, 1988

Filed:

Sep 26, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/912875

Inventors:

Wayne P. Bosze - Riverside CA
Ronald L. Froebe - Rubidoux CA
Gordon McClure - Pasadena CA
Ronald E. Thomas - Alta Loma CA
Philip F. Weingartner - Alta Loma CA

Assignee:

Bourns, Inc. - Riverside CA

International Classification:

B32B 300
B32B 1500
H01C 1032

US Classification:

428210

Abstract:

An improved resistive element comprises a film-type resistive layer applied to an insulative substrate and then fired. An array of discrete, spaced apart islands of predominantly conductive material is then applied to the resistive layer in a repetitive pattern having predetermined inter-island spacing. The islands have a conductivity that is substantially greater than the conductivity of the resistive layer. Preferably, the islands are of substantially uniform shape and size. In one preferred embodiment, the islands are formed of a conductive thick film ink that is screen-printed onto a cermet resistive layer through an appropriate mask, and then fired. In another preferred embodiment, the islands are formed of a conductive metal that is applied to the resistive layer by vapor deposition, sputtering, or ion implantation through a suitable mask. Either embodiment of the invention provides a resistive element with lower contact resistance and improved contact resistance stability than prior art film-type resistive elements, while maintaining good linearity, setability, and resolution.

US Patent:

48246948, Apr 25, 1989

Filed:

Feb 26, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/160956

Inventors:

Wayne P. Bosze - Riverside CA
Ronald L. Froebe - Rubidoux CA
Gordon McClure - Pasadena CA
Ronald E. Thomas - Alta Loma CA
Philip F. Weingartner - Alta Loma CA

Assignee:

Bourns, Inc. - Riverside CA

International Classification:

B09D 512

US Classification:

427102

Abstract:

An improved resistive element comprises a film-type resistive layer applied to an insulative substrate and then fired. An array of discrete, spaced apart islands of predominantly conductive material is then applied to the resistive layer in a repetitive pattern having predetermined inter-island spacing. The islands have a conductivity that is substantially greater than the conductivity of the resistive layer. Preferably, the islands are of substantially uniform shape and size. In one preferred embodiment, the islands are formed of a conductive thick film ink that is screen-printed onto a cermet resistive layer through an appropriate mask, and then fired. In another preferred embodiment, the islands are formed of a conductive metal that is applied to the resistive layer by vapor deposition, sputtering, or ion implantation through a suitable mask. Either embodiment of the invention provides a resistive element with lower contact resistance and improved contact resistance stability than prior art film-type resistive elements, while maintaining good linearity, setability, and resolution.