Thin-film resistors are electronic components that are widely used for multiple applications, including automotive electronics, telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices. They are widely used because they provide high stability and precision in resistance values. This is why they are the best in cases where accuracy is important.
The market for thin-film resistors currently has a positive outlook, thanks to the growing demand for electronic components with a high level of performance. Miniaturization trends and the rise in the adoption of automation technologies both play a key role in boosting the market. Some of the current trends include the focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly resistor materials and the development of thin-film resistors with high stability and precision.
Market forecasts also project that the market is going to experience steady growth, as the demand will continue to increase, and technological advancements will help to drive product innovation and development within the industry. This article will highlight more about thin-film resistors, as well as miniaturization trends, so continue reading.
Overview of Types and Applications of Thin-Film Resistors
There are currently different types of thin-film resistors on the market, and this includes ultra-precision thin-film resistors with a wide range of amazing properties. With these thin-film resistors, you get the best level of accuracy and tolerance, making them perfect for different applications. A key thing to understand is that there are other types of thin-film resistors on the market, each of which has a different level of tolerance designed to meet different needs.
When it comes to types of thin-film resistors, it’s important to note that the market is segmented into those with 0.1% tolerance, ultra-precision with 0.05% tolerance, and others. The market is also segmented based on application, and this includes automotive electronics, medical equipment, instrumentation, communication devices, and others.
Basically, these resistors are used in multiple industries, as mentioned earlier. They are vital for ensuring reliable communication in devices, stable performance in electronic appliances, increased precision in medical devices, and accurate measurements in different instruments. The main reason why thin-film resistors are essential for these applications is the accuracy and precision they offer. This further ensures optimal functionality and performance in diverse electronic systems.
Nickel Chromium Thin Film Resistors
These thin film resistors are designed based on the nickel-chromium resistive layer. This offers a more robust construction with increased performance at a low and affordable price when compared to other solutions, including thick film resistors. They are currently widely applied in LED lighting, LCD backlighting, and DC/DC converters.
Tantalum Nitride Thin Film Resistors
These types of resistors are also deployed in different applications, particularly in defence electronics, because of their long-lasting effects. However, you’ll also find them used for some medical applications like in implantable electronics. Tantalum Nitride thin film resistors are also used in oil and gas electronics, especially for downhole pump applications in drilling related tools. Other applications include telecommunications equipment and DC/DC converters.
Trends in the Global Thin-Film Resistor Market
There are many emerging trends in the global thin-film resistor market. This includes the growing need for precise electronic devices, increasing focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, utilization of the Internet of Things, and the rising demand for smaller electronic devices.
Some of the current trends in the market include smart home devices, wearables, renewable energy solutions, the adoption of advanced technologies and materials in design, and the growing popularity of electric vehicles. With these trends, the market is projected to experience continued growth as the demand for electronic components with high levels of performance continues to increase.
Anti-Sulfide Trends Fuel Demand for Thin Film Resistors
Construction equipment, commercial machinery, automotive circuitry, marine electronics, and welding equipment have all shown a high level of failure rates because of the high sulfur concentrations in polluted air, especially in countries like India and China. Basically, for highly industrialized regions, there’s a high level of sulfur in the air where electronic devices and appliances operate. This leads to failure in these devices resulting from sulfur contamination of silver.
With thick film resistors, there is a reaction between the silver in the chips and atmospheric sulfur, leading to the creation of silver sulfide. The formation of silver sulfide causes failure in electronic devices. However, that’s not the case with thin film resistors, as they are designed with a higher level of tolerance for environments with high levels of sulfur. This is why they are the better option for use in electronics and applications where there’s high exposure to outdoor conditions.
Key Market Players
As mentioned earlier, there is a high level of competition in the thin-film resistor market, and some of the big names within the industry are Ralec Electronics, Ta-I Technology, Ever Ohms, Uniohm, KOA, Cyntec, Susumu, Yageo, Bourns, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and TE Connectivity.
Currently, one of the leading names in the thin-film resistor market is Vishay, and this is because they offer a wide range of products and have a strong global presence. The company has maintained an impressive level of growth with the introduction of advanced products and technologies. KOA is also a key player in the market, and they are widely recognized for customer satisfaction and high-quality products.
When it comes to the size of the market, the market projection is that the growth will reach billions in USD by 2025, which is impressive. Also, the rise of the Internet of Things and technological advancements further boost the growth in the market.
Conclusion
Thin film resistors offer many amazing benefits when used in electronic components, and their integration in passive devices is set to drive the markets for the next couple of years. The main drivers of the market are moisture resistance, volumetric efficiency, precise performance, and sulfur resistance of the components.
There are also different types of thin film resistors, nickel chromium and tantalum nitride being the two main options. Today, these resistors are widely used for different applications, including in medical equipment, defense, oil and gas electronics, telecommunication, transportation and automotive, DC/DC converters, and the power sector as a whole.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).