RC0402FR-0720KL

The RC0402FR-0720KL from YAGEO is a general-purpose thick-film surface-mount chip resistor in the popular 0402 package size, offering 20kΩ resistance with ±1% tolerance. Part of YAGEO’s RC series, this resistor is constructed using thick-film technology where a resistive paste (typically ruthenium oxide based) is screen-printed onto a high-purity alumina ceramic substrate and then fired at high temperature. The resistor value is adjusted by laser trimming to achieve the tight ±1% tolerance. Terminations consist of a silver conductor layer at the ends, a nickel barrier layer to prevent solder leaching during assembly, and a tin plating for excellent solderability. The device is rated at 1/16W (0.0625W) power dissipation at 70°C ambient, with power linearly derated above 70°C down to zero at 155°C. With a ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient and -55°C to +155°C operating range, it provides stable performance across a wide temperature range. RoHS compliant and halogen-free, the RC0402FR series is suitable for all general-purpose electronic applications including consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, industrial controls, computer systems, and automotive electronics. Supplied in 7″ tape-and-reel packaging with 10,000 pieces per reel, it is optimized for high-volume automated SMT manufacturing.

The RC0402FR-0720KL operates based on Ohm’s law, providing a controlled amount of resistance to limit current flow and divide voltage in an electronic circuit. The resistive element is a thick film of ruthenium oxide (RuO₂) based paste that is screen-printed onto an alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic substrate and fired at high temperature (typically around 850°C). The resistance value is determined by the sheet resistance of the paste and the physical dimensions of the resistor pattern. Laser trimming during manufacturing precisely cuts a notch into the resistor film to fine-tune the resistance value to within ±1% of the target. A protective glass coating is applied over the resistor element for mechanical protection and moisture resistance. The terminal electrodes are formed by silver-based conductive paste at the ends of the chip, providing electrical connection to the resistor film. A nickel barrier layer is plated over the silver termination to prevent the silver from leaching into solder during the reflow soldering process (a phenomenon known as solder leaching), and a final tin plating layer provides excellent solder wettability. When voltage is applied across the resistor, electrical energy is dissipated as heat due to the resistance of the material. The power rating specifies how much power the resistor can safely dissipate without exceeding temperature limits. At temperatures above 70°C, the power rating is derated linearly to prevent overheating and ensure long-term reliability.

Note: Chip resistors are non-polarized passive components — either end can be connected to the higher or lower potential side of the circuit. Termination material: inner silver electrode + nickel barrier layer + outer tin plating (Pb-free).

• Voltage Dividers: Used in voltage divider circuits for level shifting, sensor signal scaling, and reference voltage generation
• Current Limiting: Serves as current-limiting resistors for LEDs, optocouplers, and digital I/O pull-up/pull-down applications
• Consumer Electronics: Deployed in televisions, audio equipment, smartphones, tablets, and home appliances for general circuit functions
• Industrial Control: Used in PLCs, motor drives, and sensor interfaces for signal conditioning and general-purpose circuit design
• Power Supplies: Implements feedback networks, output voltage setting, and current sensing in DC-DC converters and linear regulators
• Telecommunications: Used in routers, switches, base stations, and optical transceivers for signal termination and biasing
• Computer Peripherals: Found in motherboards, graphics cards, memory modules, and storage devices for various signal and power functions
• Signal Filtering: Used in RC filter networks for low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass signal conditioning