This section provides an overview for network arrays as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 network array manufacturers and their company rankings.
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Network Array is a type of resistor used in electronic circuits and sensors.
Network Array refers to a collection of multiple elements arranged in a regular pattern, while Resistor Array consists of multiple resistors arranged side-by-side on a single substrate. Since multiple resistors are arranged on a substrate, mounting density is high, which is effective for efficient component placement and cost reduction.
Certain types of resistor arrays are also referred to as Network Arrays. One side of each resistor is connected to the signal line of the network circuit, and the other side is connected to the line common to all resistors as a common terminal.
A voltage is added to this common line that becomes the high level of the signal and functions as a so-called pull-up resistor.
Network Arrays of resistors are used on a variety of electronic circuits to perform functions such as current and voltage control, branching, and measurement. Examples are listed below.
Resistor arrays are sometimes used as resistor dividers in analog-to-digital conversion and digital-to-analog conversion circuits.
For example, as a temperature sensor array, it is possible to detect different temperature ranges.
Network resistors are used as pull-up resistors on the address bus or data bus between the CPU and memory.
The principle of Network Array is based on multiple resistors arranged on a single substrate, each electrically connected to each other.
A typical Network Array consists of several resistors connected in series. As current flows through the Network Array, the current passes through each resistor, creating a voltage drop across each resistor.
For a voltage applied to both ends of the Network Array, a voltage drop is generated in proportion to the resistance of each resistor, thus serving to divide the voltage.
When used as a Sensor Network Array, the individual resistors in the Network Array should have slightly varying resistance values depending on the difference in some physical quantity (e.g., temperature or pressure). The Network Array functions as a sensor by providing resistance data to an external device.
The address bus and data bus between the CPU and memory perform data input/output in both directions. length and data length.
In addition, these I/O circuits are configured as open-drain outputs to accommodate different signal voltages. Therefore, external pull-up processing is required to fix the potential of each line. In such applications, network resistors in the same package are very superior in terms of mounting space.
Network Array consists of multiple resistors arranged on a substrate and each resistor is electrically connected to the other.
Network Array is placed on a single small substrate. The substrate is usually made of an insulating material (e.g., ceramic) and serves to hold the resistors.
Network Array contains several resistors. These resistors are commonly referred to as thin-film resistors and are made of a metal film (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy) formed on a substrate.
The resistance value of the resistor is determined at the design stage by parameters such as the thickness and length of the metal film. Note that independent resistors may be placed on the substrate.
Each resistor on the Network Array has its own electrodes, which are placed at both ends of the resistor. These electrodes are used to connect the resistors to each other by means of a wiring pattern on the board.
Network Arrays are packaged to protect the elements and facilitate handling. Common packaging forms include chip resistor packages (SMD packages) and dual-illuminated packages (DIP packages).
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Caddock Electronics, Inc. is a manufacturer of precision resistors and resistor networks founded in 1965 and headquartered in Oregon, USA. Their product line consists of over 250 models, including high-voltage resistors, current sense resistors, chip resistors, high-frequency resistors, and RF resistors. They also offer load resistors, pulse resistors, and non-inductive power resistors, as well as custom resistors and resistor network solutions. Their products can be used in a wide range of electronic devices and systems to regulate the flow of electricity and protect against overloads, ensuring the safe operation of devices and systems.
Bourns, Inc. is a family-owned company founded in 1947 and currently headquartered in Riverside, California. Bourns is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of electronic components for several industries including automotive, industrial, instrumentation, medical, consumer, and portable electronics. Bourns operates in 4 market segments: automotive, circuit protection, power conversion, and sensing. The automotive segment produces sensors for almost every use in vehicles including steering, stability, fuel management, and temperature control. Power conversion segment products are used in renewable energy and automotive power. Sensing products are also used in heavy equipment, medical equipment, and welding equipment.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
CTS Corporation was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. CTS is a manufacturer and distributor of sensors, actuators, and various connectivity components to telecommunications infrastructure, information technology, and other high-speed applications such as the aerospace and medical markets. CTS operates in 3 primary market segments: Sense, Connect, and Move. The Sense market segment includes controls such as potentiometers, pedals, sensors, and switches. The Connect segment includes various types of resistors, capacitors, and frequency control products. The move segment includes piezoelectric move products, rotary actuators, and thermal products including ZIF PC board retainers and heatsinks.
Networkworld, founded in 1996 and based in Needham Heights, Massachusetts, is a supplier known for its deep domain expertise in the modern enterprise data center. The company specializes in the latest networking, storage, servers, and virtualization technologies, providing valuable information, intelligence, and insights specifically tailored for Network and IT Executives. It is known for publishing, media content, software, and technology, offering a wealth of data that finds applications in critical areas such as disaster recovery, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, infrastructure management, and unified communications.
Akahane Electronics Corporation, established in 1960 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of resistors. Their diverse product range includes general purpose resistors used in electronic circuits, appliances, and equipment, precision resistors catering to applications requiring high accuracy like test and measurement equipment and medical devices, and thick film resistors suitable for demanding conditions such as automotive and industrial applications with high temperature and humidity resistance. Akahane Electronics' resistors find widespread use in electronics, automotive, and various industrial sectors, providing accurate solutions for diverse applications.
Synton-Tech, established in 1988, is a Taiwanese manufacturer of passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. With 34 years of manufacturing and supplying, their production lines are strictly controlled. They continuously develop new products and expand production lines. Since they are manufacturer and not supplier, they have various distributing agents that white label their products, including WALSIN, KAMAYA, UNIOHM, CHENG TUNG, and GRANDE. Some other distributing agents they use are YAGEO, CHILLISIN, EVER OHMS, and HOLY STONE.
KOA Corporation, established in 1940 in Minowa-machi, Japan, is a manufacturer of electronic components. The company provides an extensive product range including resistors, current sense shunt resistors, fuses, thermal sensors, and inductors. These quality components find applications in industries such as automotive, ecology, energy conservation, telecommunications, power supply units, and home appliances. Operating under the guiding principles of circulation, finite resources, harmony, and enrichment, it continues to provide sustainable electronic solutions to cater to the ever-changing demands of global industries.
Viking Tech Corporation, established in 1997, is a Taiwanese manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, headquartered in Hukou, Hsinchu. The company’s product lineup comprises resistors, inductors, capacitors, and supercapacitors. These products, particularly the resistors, find applications in various industries. In the medical sector, these resistors are integrated into hospital equipment like X-ray machines, ultrasonography devices, portable defibrillators, and more. Similarly, in the automotive industry, resistors are integrated into electric vehicle (EV) engine control and body control systems, car navigation systems, and other applications. Additionally, the communication industry uses resistors for smartphones and similar devices.
YAGEO Group, a global supplier of passive components, including chip resistors, MLCC, through-hole resistors, wireless components, inductors and coils, established in 1977 and is based in Taiwan. The Group serves multiple industries, including automotive, telecommunications, smart manufacturing, and power and energy. They offer complete solutions for body and convenience, powertrain and safety, comfort and infotainment, and e-mobility in the automotive industry. They have established a strong global presence with 29 sales offices, 51 production sites, 20 research and development centers, and 40,000 employees worldwide.
ROHM Semiconductor was incorporated in 1940 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. ROHM manufactures and sells electronic components worldwide. ROHM operates through the segments ICs, discrete semiconductor devices, and modules. ROHM provides ICs comprising memory, amplifiers and linear, power management, clocks and timers, switches and multiplexers, logic, data converters, sensors and MEMS, display drivers, motor/actuator drivers, interfaces, communication and speech synthesis LSI, audio and video, and microcontrollers. ROHM also offers discrete semiconductor products include MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, and diodes; power devices, including power transistors and diodes, SiC power devices, IGBT, and IPM; passive devices, such as resistors, and conductive polymer and tantalum capacitors; and various modules among others.
Thunder Components Ltd. is a Taiwanese manufacturer of resistors that was established in New Taipei City in 1971. The company primarily produces various dual in-line package (DIP) resistors including metal oxide film, fusible metal film, and carbon film models, as well as surface mount (SMD) resistors such as SMD chip resistors and SMD multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). It also offers product customization and e-catalog services to its customers. The company’s products are used by its clients in the telecommunication, consumer electronics, automotive, and military industries.
Future Electronics, established in 1968 with headquarters in the USA, is a distributor of electronic equipment and supplies, stocking a wide selection of semiconductors, passives, and other electronic components worldwide. The company's products include analog supplies, development tools, electromechanical devices, signal interface supplies, and wireless and RF devices. Future Electronics offers consulting services to aid in the sourcing and the supply of components. With a network of distributors, warehouses, and experience with numerous clients and their requirements, Future Electronics offers supply chain business solutions, for example, restocking client warehouses as required and on time.
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