Tutorials

In most cases, the type of capacitor used in the various applications for the automotive industry will vary in an attempt to combine the best capacitor solution with the performance demands of each application.  There is not “one size fits all” approach that will allow the use of one capacitor type throughout the many applications and maintain the best solutions throughout.  A capacitor type that’s as close to perfect in one application may be problematic in another.  Although performance is a key concern, the overriding issue will always be cost.

This tutorial moves through explicit applications within the automobile’s structure to detail which capacitors are best fits and detail the performance issues as to why.  Circuit parameters including ripple current, voltage and frequency as well as environmental conditions impacting performance will be highlighted.   

Resistors from different technologies may seem alike on the surface, and may often have similar published specifications (initial TCR, Initial Tolerance etc). However, each is made of a different resistive material and produced differently. Inherent resistive material, design and processing variations strongly influence electrical performances, leading to different behaviors after mounting. 

This tutorial will provide a perceptible explanation of the primary factors that influence resistor stability in a real environment compared to the specifications on a datasheet.  In addition, a demonstration will be performed that illustrates the differences between bulk metal foil, thin film, thick film and wirewound resistor technologies including ESD properties, in real time so you can decide which meets your requirements best.