New Heat Shock Resistors Double Thermal Cycle Tolerance
KOA Speer Electronics launches a new resistor family designed to prevent circuit cracking in high-heat environments.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Semiconductors
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KOA Speer Electronics has launched the RK73B-AT series of heat shock resistors designed to improve product longevity in harsh environments. These components are now available and rated for between 1,000 and 2,000 thermal cycles.
Why it matters
Resistors are often the first point of failure in electronic circuits exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, leading to cracks or delamination. This design aims to mitigate those failures, effectively extending the lifespan of devices in industrial or automotive applications.
The RK73B-AT series handles 0.1W to 0.25W of power across a resistance range of 1 to 22MΩ. It is designed to endure twice the thermal cycles of standard chip resistors, with a temperature coefficient of resistance between plus or minus 200ppm/°C and 400ppm/°C.
The players
KOA Speer Electronics
A global manufacturer of passive electronic components specializing in thick and thin film resistors and current sense products.
The details
The resistors employ a metal glaze resistance film, which provides resistance to heat and weather conditions. By incorporating a thicker bottom electrode, the component is better able to suppress mechanical cracking and delamination caused by repeated expansion and contraction during thermal shock. The series supports industry-standard sizing from 0402 to 1206 packages.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The RK73B-AT resistor family is officially released.
The Tech Race
The RK73B-AT series marks a departure from standard chip resistor engineering by reinforcing physical geometry to survive higher thermal fatigue. It aims to address the persistent failure point of delamination that standard industry parts encounter in thermally volatile environments.
Engineers and hardware designers can now integrate these resistors into products that require higher durability against thermal cycling. Units are currently available with an eight-week lead time for supply chain procurement.
The takeaway
This release offers a practical way to address thermal stress failure in compact electronics through a simple structural reinforcement. Designers should watch for long-term reliability reports as these resistors are integrated into high-heat duty cycles over the next year.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of electronic components, visit the Semiconductors section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electronics Weekly.
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