CRH2512 High-Power Metal Alloy Resistors

Introduction

Bourns’ CRH2512 series is a family of surface-mount metal-alloy resistors designed for low-ohmic current sensing where compact placement and substantial power handling are required. The series combines resistance values from 0.5 mΩ to 30 mΩ with power ratings up to 5 W, making it suited to measuring high current with a small sense resistance.

What it does

A current-sense resistor develops a voltage proportional to the current flowing through it. The CRH2512 series is intended for this role in high-power circuits, using a metal-alloy element to provide low resistance and controlled temperature behavior.

Available TCR options of ±50 ppm/°C or ±75 ppm/°C help designers account for resistance variation across temperature. Resistance tolerance options are ±1%, ±2%, and ±5%, allowing selection according to measurement accuracy requirements.

The series supports an operating temperature range of -55°C to +170°C. Depending on the selected resistance value, specified maximum working current ranges from 35.35 A to 100 A, while maximum overload current ranges from 70.71 A to 200 A.

Applications

• Current measurement in battery-management systems
• High-current power-distribution monitoring
• Industrial power electronics
• Load-current sensing in compact surface-mount assemblies
• Overcurrent detection and protection circuits

Design considerations

The CRH2512 devices use surface-mount construction, so PCB footprint, copper layout, and thermal paths should be considered alongside the resistor’s up-to-5 W power rating. The selected resistance value affects the applicable maximum working and overload current capability.

For measurement-oriented designs, the available tolerance and TCR grades should be matched to the required current-sensing accuracy over the intended temperature range. The specified -55°C to +170°C operating range may support designs exposed to broad thermal conditions, provided the rest of the assembly is designed for the same environment.

The series is rated MSL 1, is RoHS-compliant, and is halogen-free.

Availability and further information

Further technical information is available through the Mouser Electronics source link and the CRH2512 datasheet linked on this page.