Piher Sensing Systems’ Advanced Printed PCB Resistor Technology for Integrated Electronics

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Piher Sensing Systems continues to expand the possibilities of integrated electronics with its advanced printed PCB resistor technology. Leveraging market-leading thick-film processes, Piher enables the direct deposition of fixed resistors, potentiometer tracks, switches, and conductors onto PCBs of virtually any size, shape, or form. This high level of versatility allows designers to create compact, highly integrated solutions at a competitive cost, even for low-volume production runs.

Printed PCB resistors from Piher are based on thick-film resistive inks that are custom-designed around each customer’s specific assembly requirements. These inks can be printed on a broad range of substrates, from high-temperature ceramic materials to standard PCB laminates, enabling seamless integration into existing designs. The technology supports both simple resistive elements and more complex printed potentiometers and sensing structures.

Beyond passive resistance, Piher’s printed thick-film technology also enables precision position sensing. Carbon-based printed PCB sensors provide absolute position feedback without the need for external electronics, offering millions of mechanical cycles, low power consumption, and reliable performance across extended temperature ranges. Their robust construction allows them to operate in harsh environments without frequent maintenance or replacement.

Advantages of Piher Printed PCB Resistors

• Low-profile, space-saving integration
• Low power consumption
• No insertion costs, placement errors, or soldering issues
• Unlimited combinations of fixed and variable resistors
• Voltage-divider calibration options
• Availability of special and custom ohmic values
• Laser trimming for accurate resistance tolerances
• Wiper interfaces tailored to application requirements

Technical Capabilities

Piher’s manufacturing capabilities are built around precision and repeatability. Standard substrates include 96% alumina, with support for conductive, resistive, and dielectric films. The process allows for multilayer and double-sided printing in a single manufacturing flow. Printed resistive films range from 5 Ω/sq to 1 MΩ/sq, with thicknesses between 5 and 20 µm per print. Patterns up to 101.6 × 101.6 mm can be produced, with firing temperatures exceeding 500 °C to ensure long-term stability. Laser trimming enables resistance tolerances as precise as ±0.5%.

Piher’s Manufacturing Advantage

Piher Sensing Systems maintains full control over every stage of production. Its fully automated screen-printing processes support linear, rotary, and stepped position sensors, as well as fixed resistors and potentiometer tracks, on PCBs of nearly any geometry. In addition to controlling the printing process, Piher formulates and manufactures its own resistive inks and pastes, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Laser trimming is applied after curing to fine-tune each resistive element to exact specifications, even in high-volume programs. With manufacturing sites in both Europe and China, Piher offers flexible production options and local-to-local supply strategies to reduce risk in global supply chains. The company also delivers complete PCB-based sensor assemblies, incorporating value-added features such as complex gearing for multi-turn sensing and custom connector solutions.

Typical Applications

Piher printed PCB resistors and sensors are widely used in automotive and industrial systems, including:

• Mirror position and memory systems
• Seat position sensing
• HVAC actuators
• Joystick controls
• Pedal position sensors
• Steering column modules

Through its printed PCB resistor technology, Piher Sensing Systems continues to support compact, reliable, and cost-effective sensing and resistive solutions for demanding applications worldwide.

Click here to learn more about printed PCB resistors from Piher Sensing Systems.