Bourns Expands High-Power Resistor Line with Compact 2010 and 3 W 2512 Models

Bourns has added two new devices to its CRF series of current sense resistors, aiming to help engineers manage heat, space, and accuracy in high-power systems. A new CRF2010 model brings 1.5 W capability to a compact 2010 package, while an enhanced CRF2512 variant now offers 3 W power handling in the familiar 2512 footprint.

Both parts are AEC-Q200 qualified and feature metal strip construction, which delivers the low inductance and thermal stability needed in today’s fast-switching, high-efficiency power electronics.

Tight spaces, tough demands

With a footprint of just 5.0 × 2.5 mm, the CRF2010 is designed for applications where every millimetre counts. Rated to 1.5 W at 70°C, it’s well-suited to battery management systems, EV board nets, and robotic control circuits that require accurate current monitoring in tight enclosures.

Resistance values range from 1 mΩ to 50 mΩ, with tolerances of 1% or 5%, and a consistent TCR of ±50 ppm/°C across the range. The metal alloy element keeps parasitics low and helps deliver a stable signal even under pulsed loads or temperature swings.

More power, same footprint

The CRF2512 has been around for a while, but this latest version ups the rated power to 3 W, allowing for higher current levels without stepping up in size. It’s built for use in stepper motor drives, power supplies, and input amplifier stages, where low ohmic values and solid thermal handling go hand-in-hand.

Resistance options start as low as 0.3 mΩ, with inductance below 5 nH, making the device a good fit for high-speed switching applications that can’t tolerate noise or delay.

Built for the real world

These resistors aren’t just about performance on paper; they’re made for real-world conditions. The operating temperature range spans 55 °C to +170 °C, and the metal strip design offers much better surge handling than typical thick-film resistors of the same size. That matters in environments like EVs or industrial systems, where transients are frequent and reliability is non-negotiable.

Both models are RoHS compliant and available now through Bourns’ authorised distribution partners.

Read the original announcement here.

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