Introduction

In this technical review, we will be analyzing the performance of Bourns Inc.'s CRM1206-FX-R100ELF resistor against a statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value. Made with a Thick Film composition and a 100m nominal value, this surface-mount resistor has a ±1% tolerance and is available in a 1206 (3216 Metric) package.

The analysis is based on LCR measurements taken at both 1 Volt and 10 Volts while comparing the performance of this particular resistor in terms of resistance, inductance, and an overall comparative analysis.

Below, we have provided a list of pros and cons that highlights this resistor's key highlights and drawbacks:

• Pros:
• Consistent performance across a wide range of test frequencies
• Low quality factor and dissipation factor at higher test frequencies, indicating lower energy loss
• Capability of handling power as high as 10 Volts
• Cons:
• Series resistance higher than the benchmark at low-frequency range (5 Hz to 50 Hz)
• Slightly higher series inductions below 100k test frequency
• Incomplete LCR measurements at 10 Volts for frequencies of 800k and above

Throughout this review, we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the behavior of the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF resistor. Explorations into factors like resistance, inductance, and a comparative analysis will gauge whether this resistor is a beneficial choice for engineers given its performance against the statistical benchmark.

Impedance

At the 1-volt test frequencies, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF exhibits below-average impedance results compared to the statistical benchmark across the majority of the tested frequencies. For example, the impedance at 5 Hz is 86.44m Ohms, which falls short of the benchmark average of 91.73m Ohms. As the test frequency increases, this pattern persists. At 100kHz, the component's impedance reaches 86.84m Ohms, still below the benchmark mean of 92.53m Ohms. These results imply that the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF might have limited suitability for systems demanding higher impedance values for optimal performance.

Interestingly, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF demonstrates better adherence to the statistical benchmark at the 10-volt test frequencies. For instance, at 20 kHz, its impedance measures 102.6m Ohms, surpassing the average value for the benchmark. However, this trend appears to be inconsistent, as evidenced by its impedance of 77.87m Ohms at the 50 kHz frequency, which is considerably lower than the benchmark. As such, it is essential to recognize that the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF may not be appropriate for engineers seeking consistently higher impedance values in their systems.

It is crucial for engineers to carefully assess the impedance specifications of electronic components employed in their designs since impedance plays a significant role in determining the efficiency and stability of the overall system. Low impedance values, which are characteristic of the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF, can lead to potential issues, such as reduced signal integrity and increased noise. Conversely, systems with high impedance values are typically less susceptible to noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring better signal quality. As a component's impedance directly affects a system's performance, engineers are advised to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of employing the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF considering its inconsistent impedance characteristics.

Resistance

LCR measurements of the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor at 1 Volt showcase a reasonably consistent resistance performance across various test frequencies, ranging from 5 Hz to 1 MHz. For example, the resistance remains stable between 86.41m Ohms at 5 Hz up to 86.86m Ohms at 1 MHz. It is evident from these measurements that the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor demonstrates a propensity to remain within a narrow range, maintaining a reasonably constant series resistance. Comparing these resistance values with the statistical benchmark at 1 Volt, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor exhibits performance within the average spectrum for the majority of test frequencies. In most cases, the resistances fall marginally lower than the average series resistance characteristic of comparable 100 milliohm Thick Film resistors.

When subjected to a higher voltage of 10 Volts, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor reveals a distinct change in performance. At 5 Hz, the resistance measures at 95.17m Ohms before progressively decreasing to 74.64m Ohms at 150 kHz. The series resistance then elevates again, peaking at 82.84m Ohms at 750 kHz. Intriguingly, the resistance values registered below the 100 kHz frequency threshold are generally higher than the average of the statistical benchmark, while those above are comparatively lower. Most notably, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor's resistance at 10 Volts experiences a significant drop for test frequencies between 50 kHz and 500 kHz. This unique behavior may lead to enhanced performance in specific electronic applications, depending on the operating frequency range and voltage requirements.

Inductance

In this inductance performance analysis, the component under review will be evaluated against the statistical benchmark data of inductors with a similar nominal value. To provide insights into the suitability of this inductor for specific applications, we will undertake a comprehensive review of its inductance values at various test frequencies, applying both 1 Volt and 10 Volts as test levels.

Starting with the 1 Volt test level, the inductor exhibits a series inductance of 3.283μH at a 5Hz test frequency, closely approaching—but not exceeding—the maximum benchmark value of 5.906μH. As the test frequency increases, the inductance values appear to be mostly consistent with or below the average benchmark values. For instance, at a 100Hz test frequency, its inductance of 57.35nH is slightly higher than the benchmark average of 52.5nH but remains well below the maximum value of 101.2nH. This steady performance throughout various test frequencies makes this inductor an appropriate choice for engineers who need to consider the impact of inductance properties when working on their projects.

When comparing the inductor with benchmark data at 10 Volts, we gain further insights. At this higher test voltage, its performance does not deviate significantly from the benchmark expectations, although some outliers may be noteworthy. For example, an exceptional 85.09μH of inductance at the 5Hz test frequency greatly surpasses the upper benchmark value of 5.906μH, which may affect performance in low-frequency applications that are critical to the project. Additionally, at a 100kHz test frequency, the observed inductance of 245.7pH falls below the minimum benchmark value. As the test frequency increases, the inductance values align more consistently with the established benchmark data.

Overall, the inductor demonstrates a relatively consistent performance, closely adhering to statistical benchmarks at most test frequencies for both 1 Volt and 10 Volts test levels. There are some discrepancies at specific test frequencies, but engineers reviewing this inductor for potential use in their projects can use this detailed performance analysis to evaluate its compatibility, ensuring it meets their specific application requirements.

Comparative Analysis

In this comparative analysis, we will examine the performance of the Bourns Inc. CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor against the statistical benchmark provided. The focus will be on various LCR measurements at 1 Volt and 10 Volts and how this particular resistor performs with its thick-film composition and surface mount package.

At 1 Volt, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF resistor has a fairly stable impedance in the range of 5kHz to 1MHz, with values close to its nominal 100m value, indicating stable resistance performance. However, compared to the statistical benchmark, it is evident that the resistor has slightly higher impedance values across the various test frequencies. For instance, at 50kHz, the tested impedance is 86.77m while the average benchmark impedance is 92.1m.

In terms of series resistance, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF resistor remains consistent nearby its nominal value at 1 Volt. It is crucial to observe that the resistor largely performs similarly or a little better when compared to average series resistance values in the benchmark.

Comparing other factors such as series inductance and capacitive performance, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF has demonstrated relatively lower inductance values up to the 20kHz frequency range compared to the benchmark. Series capacitance is primarily within the expected parameters; however, the performance is highly reliant on the frequency. At 1kHz, the component displayed a high capacitive value of 5.122 Farads, as opposed to the benchmark average of 6.001 Farads, indicating that the component's capacitance performance is marginally weaker than its peers.

When tested at 10 Volts, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF displayed similar characteristics in impedance and series resistance. At higher voltages, the series inductance demonstrated more significant differences with the benchmark, especially at lower-frequency ranges such as 5kHz to 50kHz. It is essential to recognize that, with higher voltages, several inconsistencies in the data are present in the 750kHz to 1MHz frequency range.

In conclusion, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF resistor shows relatively consistent performance in impedance and series resistance. It has some deviations in inductance and capacitive performance, particularly at specific voltage levels and frequency ranges. Electronics engineers evaluating this resistor should consider the small differences in performance compared to the statistical benchmark, especially when working within particular voltage and frequency operating conditions.

Conclusion

In this technical review, we have meticulously analyzed the performance of the Bourns Inc. CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Thick Film Resistor against a statistical benchmark that represents other similar components with the same nominal value (100m) and tolerance (±1%). The review has taken an in-depth look at various measurement parameters, such as impedance, resistance, and inductance at both 1 and 10 volts testing conditions.

Notably, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor performed remarkably close to the benchmark averages across a majority of the test frequencies, especially in terms of impedance and resistance values. There were deviations primarily in the 450k to 750k frequency range, where the component displayed slightly higher resistance values as compared to the benchmark. In contrast, at the 50k to 100k frequency range, the component exhibited lower resistance than the benchmark.

The observed increase in the resistance values at higher frequency ranges signifies that the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Resistor may cause circuits to experience higher voltage drops when used in applications operating at higher frequencies. Therefore, engineers should exercise caution when selecting this resistor for use in these types of applications to maintain overall circuit performance.

In conclusion, considering these findings, the CRM1206-FX-R100ELF Thick Film Resistor is a reliable option for circuits operating at lower to moderate frequency ranges-aligned with the statistical benchmark. However, given its performance at higher frequency ranges, it may be prudent to explore alternative resistors should a lower voltage drop be of utmost importance.