What’s a component? Isn’t it anything we design into an electronic product? That’s probably a discussion for another time. A component is anything we use that isn’t memory or a device that executes a program from memory.

When we learn about electronics, we’re usually taught how resistors, capacitors, and inductors interact in a circuit. These components have been around a long time. So you might think there’s nothing more to say about them and certainly not much innovation going on. Nothing could be further from the truth as seen in Electronic Design’s Top 101 Components of 2014. Here at ES Components, we were happy to see that our franchised suppliers made the Top 101 Components of 2014.

Vishay Precision Group

There were 10 capacitors on the list, six inductors, and one lone resistor, which appeared at number 34. Vishay Precision Group’s FRFC 0805 high-precision, next-generation, surface-mount, Bulk Metal Z1-Foil technology device is all about precision and long-term stability.

Vishay Precision Group’s FRFC 0805 high-precision, next-generation, surface-mount, Bulk Metal Z1-Foil technology device offers load-life stability of ±0.005% (50 ppm) at 70°C and rated power for 2000 hours. The resistor offers load-life stability of ±0.005% (50 ppm) at 70°C and rated power for 2000 hours. Its typical temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is ±0.005/°C from 0°C to 60°C and ±0.2 ppm/°C from –55°C to 125°C. Power TCR is 5 ppm at rated power, and tolerances run tight to ±0.01%. It’s also small, even for a surface-mount passive. Its flip-chip configuration saves up to 35% of board space compared to surface-mount resistors with wraparound terminations. Resistances of 5 Ω to 8 kΩ are available.

Vishay Intertechnology

The 10 capacitors on the list ranged from the twentieth slot down to number 97. The top draw, Vishay Intertechnology’s TP8 molded, automotive-grade, solid-tantalum chip capacitor series, is the first AEC-Q200-qualified lineup to deliver high capacitance-voltage ratings in 0603, 0805, and 0906 case sizes, according to the company.

Despite the smaller packaging, capacitance and voltage ratings still run from 1.0 µF at 40 V to 100 µF at 0.3 V. The devices offer standard capacitance tolerances of ±10% and ±20% and an operating temperature range of –55°C to 85°C, or 125°C with voltage derating. The caps are intended for energy storage, filtering, and decoupling in space-constrained automotive applications including tire pressure monitoring systems, camera modules, rearview mirrors, and remote keyless entry.

Vishay Dale

Number 84 in overall reader interest was a high-temperature-rated automotive inductor from Vishay. The Vishay Dale IHLP-2525CZ-8A high-current inductor can operate from –55°C to 180°C (Fig. 9). It comes in a 3.0-mm high 2525 case and can be ordered in inductance values from 0.47 to 22 µH.

The Vishay Dale IHLP-2525CZ-8A high-current inductor can operate from –55°C to 180°C. It comes in a 3.0-mm high 2525 case and can be ordered in inductance values from 0.47 to 22 µH.

Typical dc resistance ranges from 3.87 to 163.0 mΩ. The guaranteed maximum range is from 4.14 to 173.0 mΩ. Also, the inductor will handle frequencies up to 1 MHz. Target applications include engine and transmission control units, diesel injection drivers, entertainment and navigation systems, noise suppression for motors, windshield wipers, and high-intensity discharge (HID) and LED lighting.

We are delighted that our franchised suppliers continue to bring innovation to components that have been around a long time in order that we can help you solve your problems of today.