How to find the right Resistor Chip Arrays AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Resistor Chip Arrays
- Circuit topology
- Match the schematic: isolated (independent resistors) or bussed/common-terminal (one end of every element tied together, typical for pull-ups) The two have different internal wiring. A bussed part in an isolated footprint shorts nets together.
- Package, element count and pitch
- Match the footprint exactly: element count (2, 4 or 8), terminal pitch, and base size (for example a four-element array built on 0402 or 0603 elements) Arrays from different series are not pin-compatible even when the element count is the same, so the land pattern must match the datasheet.
- Terminal style
- Convex and concave terminations need different pads. Pick the style your PCB footprint was drawn for. Swapping styles causes poor solder fillets, tombstoning or opens, especially in hand or reflow rework.
- Per-element power rating
- Check the per-element rating and the total package rating, then derate at elevated temperature. Small-base arrays are typically only a sixteenth of a watt per element or less. Arrays are meant for signal-level duties such as pull-ups, termination and LED current setting, not power dissipation.
- Tolerance, TCR and ratio matching
- Thick-film general arrays: 1% or 5% with roughly 100 to 200 ppm/°C. For dividers or op-amp gain networks, choose thin-film networks that specify ratio tolerance and TCR tracking. The main reason to use an array in precision circuits is that the elements track each other, which only thin-film matched networks guarantee.
- Qualification
- Use AEC-Q200-qualified series for automotive work. Choose anti-sulfur versions for sulfur-rich environments. Silver-based thick-film terminations can fail from sulfur corrosion in harsh environments.
Brands that matter
- Bourns: CAT/CAY series thick-film chip arrays in convex and concave styles, widely stocked.
- Panasonic: EXB series arrays across many sizes and element counts.
- Yageo: YC and TC series general-purpose arrays, common in volume designs.
- Vishay: CRA thick-film arrays and ACAS precision thin-film matched arrays.
- KOA Speer: CN series chip networks, including bussed and isolated variants.
- Rohm: MNR series chip resistor networks.
What to avoid
- Unbranded bulk assortments with no datasheet, because you cannot verify topology, pitch or terminal style.
- Ordering by resistance and element count alone without checking isolated versus bussed wiring.
- Using thick-film general arrays where matched ratios or tracking TCR are required.
- Using arrays for power loads or current sensing beyond the per-element rating.
Questions
What is the difference between convex and concave chip arrays?
The termination shape differs: convex terminals wrap outward and concave ones are notched. Each needs its own pad layout, so pick the style your footprint was designed for.
Can I use a bussed array for pull-up resistors?
Yes, that is its typical use. The common terminal goes to the supply rail and each remaining pin goes to a separate signal line. Use isolated arrays when the resistors must be independent.