Bourns Introduces CFG-A Wide-Terminal Current Sense Resistors

Bourns has expanded its resistor portfolio with the CFG-A Series, a new family of wide-terminal metal foil current sense resistors for automotive and other high-reliability applications. Available in 0508 and 0612 packages, the new parts are rated for up to 2 W and cover resistance values from 1 mΩ to 30 mΩ.

Current sense resistors are often constrained by the amount of heat they can dissipate in compact designs. Rather than increasing package size, Bourns has focused on the resistor construction, pairing a metal foil sensing element with wider terminals to improve heat transfer into the PCB.

Higher Power in Standard Footprints

The launch includes two devices. The CFG0508A is available in the smaller 0508 package with resistance values from 1 mΩ to 10 mΩ and power ratings up to 1.5 W. The larger CFG0612A extends the resistance range to 30 mΩ while increasing the power rating to 2 W.

According to Bourns, the wide-terminal layout lowers the thermal resistance between the resistor and the PCB, while the metal foil element provides lower temperature drift than conventional thick-film current sense resistors. Selected values achieve a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) as low as ±50 ppm/°C.

Built for Automotive Power Electronics

The CFG-A Series is intended for applications where current measurement must remain stable over long operating periods, including battery management systems, DC-DC converters, motor drives and automotive power electronics. Both resistor families are specified for operation from -55 °C to +155 °C and are offered with ±1% and ±5% resistance tolerances. They are also qualified to the AEC-Q200 automotive standard and meet Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 requirements for reflow assembly.

Learn more and read the original announcement at the Bourns website.

Technology Overview

Current sense resistors produce a small voltage proportional to the current flowing through them, allowing electronic systems to monitor load current and power consumption. Metal foil designs are commonly selected where lower temperature drift and improved long-term stability are required compared with thick-film alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new about the Bourns CFG-A Series?

The CFG-A Series introduces wide-terminal metal foil current sense resistors in 0508 and 0612 packages with power ratings up to 2 W and resistance values from 1 mΩ to 30 mΩ.

Which parts are included in the launch?

The series consists of the CFG0508A, rated up to 1.5 W, and the CFG0612A, rated up to 2 W.

Why use a wide-terminal current sense resistor?

A wider terminal increases the area available to transfer heat into the PCB, allowing higher power handling while helping maintain stable electrical performance.