Quality Resistors at the Best Price

Issue:
Circuit boards were part of the image producing subassembly built by an x-ray security systems manufacturer. Original design used through hole technology resistors which was considered the source of a noise problem. The engineering department redesigned the board using surface mount technology (SMT). A subcontractor who actually built the boards was unable to supply low temperature coefficient (TC), high precision, high-value resistors at a reasonable price.

Action:
So my duty was to locate another distributor for the same make and model resistor or produce an acceptable alternate.

Extensive market research revealed an alternate source of more cost effective surface mount resistors. The form and fit matched the new design requirements. Functionality and reliability tests were conducted on newly supplied resistors. The subcontractor and x-ray firm agreed to the new resistor source.

Results:

• Circuit noise was reduced.
• Cleaner image produced.
• Turnkey service by the subcontractor.
• X-ray firm reduced inventory of resistors and subassemblies.
• Boards just in time (JIT) for production.

$97,000 (34%) annual savings to the x-ray company.