Thick-film resistors on various substrates as sensing elements for strain-gauge applications

The characteristics of 10 kohm/sq. thick-film resistors (2041, Du Pont and 2341-B, ESL) fired on tetragonal ZrO 2, low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) and dielectric-on-steel substrates were investigated with the aim of determining the compatibility of these resistor materials, which were developed for firing on Al 2O3, with other substrates. Possible interactions between the thick-film resistors and the substrates were investigated. Sheet resistivities, temperature coefficients of resistivity, noise indices and gauge factors (GFs) were measured. The results indicate that the 2041 and 3414-B thick-film resistors could be used on the evaluated substrates if an allowance is made for the increased temperature coefficient of resistivities (TCRs) of both resistor materials on the zirconia substrates and for the increased sheet resistivities and TCRs of the 3414-B resistors on the LTCC substrates. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.