Vishay launches 650 W low-profile power resistors

A resistor built to dissipate 650 W continuously is now available in a low-profile package from Vishay Intertechnology. The MCB RPWA 650 series is designed to give power-module designers more output from less component space, while bringing optional temperature sensing into the same housing.

The central engineering choice is Vishay’s “cold system” baseplate. It transfers heat from the resistor to an external heatsink, which is not supplied, and supports operation across -55 °C to +155 °C. With more power handled by each device, designers can reduce the number of parallel resistors required, according to Vishay.

The series also targets the work around the component. Customizable cabling and an easy-mount system with self-calibrating pressure remove the need for board-level soldering, while the optional embedded NTC — a temperature sensor — avoids adding a separate sensing component. The result is less wiring and a simpler assembly path for power modules.

The resistors cover resistance values from 6.2 Ω to 1 MΩ, with tolerances down to ± 5 %. They can be used for precharge, discharge, active discharge, power conversion and snubber functions. Their electrical specifications include operation up to 6000 V DC, dielectric strength to 7000 V RMS and typical self-inductance of ≤ 40 nH. Repetitive pulse operation is supported up to 3.5 J per pulse for 50 μs pulses.

So what changes in practice? Automotive, energy, industrial, medical and avionics teams can evaluate a single compact part for high-voltage energy-dissipation tasks, with fewer parallel components and less assembly work if the integrated options fit their design. Samples and production quantities are available now, with lead times of 8 to 12 weeks. The limit is qualification: the RoHS-compliant series is still pending AEC-Q200 qualification.