An active plug for passives
Lately, when it comes to electronic components, it seems that high-profile devices like superfast CPUs, highly integrated ASICs, and white LEDs grab the spotlight. Meanwhile, passive devices�like resistors, capacitors, transformers, and inductors�go about their jobs with little of the accolades lavished upon their more glamorous peers.
“Passive” seems a terrible way to describe parts that are so integral to just about every electronic device.
But passives are charged with some of the most important functions, even in the most modern of designs�they regulate and control volatile power, protect fragile circuits, and corral unwanted noise such as EMI. In some ways, “passive” seems a terrible way to describe parts that are so integral to just about every available electronic device.
Some of the more progressive passive suppliers continue to push the limits of not only their own products, but of entire product categories. The industry's miniaturization needs, for instance, have passive manufacturers stuffing greater performance and functionality into smaller spaces (can you believe 10-�F tantalums and 2.2-�F MLCCs in 0402 case sizes?).
Manufacturers are also exploring new materials and techniques to keep the products ahead of the curve. Recently introduced niobium for capacitor design promises unmatched reliability compared with existing construction like tantalum and ceramic. Exciting strides are also being made in ferrite-core design and transformer coil technologies that can improve efficiency in the most volatile of equipment.
The integration of passives under one roof, so to speak, continues. Resistor arrays or filters with inductors, resistors, and capacitors can do the job of several parts and have the ability to put some discretes�or even ICs�out of business.
Embedded passives are a logical extension of that idea and, according to some, are finally coming into their own. Once relegated to high-end military applications, embedded passives are now beginning to be appreciated for the flexibility and precision these devices can bring to a circuit.
And there are some phenoms out there that have the potential to carve out entirely new niches for themselves. Devices like 2004's Rejustor�the industry's first electronically tunable passive that offers trimming capabilities comparable to expensive practices such as laser trimming, at a fraction of the cost.
Passives are keeping up and, in some cases, staying ahead of the trends. Let's give them the credit they deserve.
Ralph Raiola
Editor
rraiola@hearst.com
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