Why is the CRH series of Tian'er resistors cheaper than the CUH series?

CRH and CUH: Price Stratification Analysis of Tian'er Thick Film Resistors

In the thick film resistor product line of Tian'er Technology, although the CRH and CUH series belong to the thick film technology system, the price difference is significant. The CRH series is known for its economy, while the CUH series is positioned in the high-end market. This price difference is not accidental, but the result of the combined effects of material cost, process complexity, performance parameters, and market positioning. Understanding the technical logic behind it has practical significance for the selection optimization and cost control of electronic engineers.

1、 Cost difference between basic materials and structural design
1. Substrate and heat dissipation structure
The core premium point of the CUH series lies in its enhanced heat dissipation design. This series adopts high thermal conductivity alumina ceramic substrate (thermal conductivity ≥ 2.5 W/mK), and optimizes the end electrode structure (such as three-layer nickel/tin copper alloy), reducing thermal resistance by expanding the heat dissipation area. The CRH series uses conventional ceramic substrates and relies on PCB copper foil for heat dissipation, resulting in weaker thermal management capabilities. This difference is directly reflected in material costs - the price of high thermal conductivity substrates is about 20% -30% higher than that of ordinary substrates.
2. Formula for resistor paste
Ruthenium based composite oxides and glass phase strengthening agents are added to the resistance slurry of CUH, resulting in a thickness of 100 μ m for the resistance layer (CRH is usually 5070 μ m). This not only increases power density, but also enhances thermal shock resistance. However, the price fluctuation of rare metal ruthenium (about $680/ounce in recent years) has pushed up the manufacturing cost of CUH.

2、 The cost of process complexity and performance upgrade
1. High power density process
The CUH series achieves power breakthroughs through precision laser impedance tuning and stepped sintering processes. For example, the CUH resistor power of 0603 package can reach 0.33W (conventional CRH is only 0.1W), and the CUH of 2512 package can reach 3W (CRH is 2W). This performance improvement relies on multiple laser fine-tuning processes (± 0.5% resistance control) and precise sintering curves at 850 ℃± 5 ℃, significantly increasing equipment investment and energy consumption costs.
2. Stability and reliability enhancement
The CUH series has outstanding advantages in environmental adaptability:
Temperature coefficient: ± 100150 ppm/℃ (CRH is ± 100600 ppm/℃)
Damp heat stability: Resistance drift<0.5% in 85 ℃/85% RH environment (CRH typical value>1%)
Surge resistance: able to withstand 100A/5ms pulse current (CRH approximately 50A)
These properties are attributed to additional glass glaze encapsulation and high-temperature aging screening processes, resulting in a yield loss of approximately 10% to 15%, further diluting profit margins.

3、 The distinction between application scenarios and market positioning
1. CRH: Economical universal solution
Targeting cost sensitive fields such as consumer electronics and home appliances, typical scenarios include:
LED lighting current limiting resistor (power consumption<100mW)
Power module voltage divider network (accuracy requirement ± 5%)
Basic Circuit for Signal Conditioning
Its advantage lies in full resistance coverage (0.5m Ω 30M Ω) and the scale effect brought by standardized mass production, with a unit price as low as ¥ 0.040.4/piece (0603 package).

2. CUH: High performance niche market exclusive
Lock in high-end scenarios such as automotive electronics, industrial control, and new energy:
Balance resistance of BMS battery for electric vehicles (requiring 155 ℃ temperature resistance)
Photovoltaic inverter buffer resistor (capable of withstanding 3A continuous current)
5G base station power module (resistant to high-frequency pulse requirements)
This type of application requires AECQ200 or IATF 16949 certification, and the CUH series' enhanced parameters and vehicle grade verification make its unit price reach ¥ 0.33/piece, with a premium of 50% to 100%.

4、 Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis
The essence of choosing CRH or CUH is the balance of power consumption, environment, and lifespan requirements:
Choose a more optimal scenario for CRH: consumer products with ambient temperature<70 ℃, no sulfide/surge risk, and power consumption<1W.   
Required CUH scenarios: high temperature environment (>85 ℃), sulfur-containing industrial atmosphere (rubber seals/lubricants), power modules required for lightning testing.

For example, in a 12V car charger, if the current detection resistor needs to withstand 2A current (power consumption=2 ² × 0.1 Ω=0.4W). CRH2512 (2W nominal) is rated down to 1.2W at 85 ℃, which is theoretically feasible but requires the use of CUH in practice - as the engine compartment temperature may exceed 100 ℃ (CRH power<0.8W at this time), and there is a high risk of sulfide corrosion.

The price difference between Tian'er CRH and CUH is essentially the consideration of "basic functions" and "value-added performance". CRH maintains its cost bottom line through standardized design, basic materials, and large-scale production; The CUH series provides a "power density upgrade package" and "environmental adaptability insurance" for high-end scenarios through special materials, precision craftsmanship, and reliability verification. For engineers, choosing CRH in non extreme scenarios can save more than 30% of BOM costs, while investing in critical path CUH is a rational investment to reduce the risk of system failure.