How Sulfur in the Air Causes Chip Resistor Drift
How Sulfur in the Air Causes Chip Resistor Drift
Engineering Reliability Issue: Sulfur exposure in industrial and automotive environments leads to long-term resistor drift, impacting industrial resistor reliability and circuit stability.
Problem
Industrial control boards, HVAC systems, and automotive ECUs often show gradual signal offset after months of operation. Design ratings appear correct, yet resistance drift occurs due to environmental sulfur exposure.
Cause
Thick film chip resistors use RuO₂ resistive layers and silver-containing terminations. Sulfur reacts with silver, forming silver sulfide, increasing termination resistance and altering current distribution.
Risk
- Voltage divider accuracy loss
- Sensor signal offset
- ADC reference instability
- Control loop timing drift
- Automotive ECU reliability issues
Upgrade Path
| Series | Primary Reliability Focus | Recommended Use Area | Upgrade Decision Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| jb JZC Thick Film Chip Resistor | Standard stability | General circuits | No sulfur exposure |
| jb JZP High Power Thick Chip Resistor | Thermal margin | Hot PCB zones | Temperature derating concern |
| jb JZQ Automotive Thick Chip Resistor | Anti sulfur + AEC Q200 | Industrial & automotive harsh air | Sulfur + pollution risk |
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