V I S H AY I N T E R T E C H N O L O G Y, I N C .
IGNITORS
MEPIC
Massive Electro-Pyrotechnic Ignitor Chip (MEPIC) Resistor
KEY BENEFITS
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Firing energy down to 1.5 mJ
Firing time down to 250 µs
Ohmic value: 2 Ω (typical) ± 10 % (typical)
Joule effect ignition or flash
Easy set up by design of firing levels
Performance meets requirements of USCAR, AKLV16, and major car manufacturer
standards
Very predictable, reproducible, and reliable behavior
Size 0805 or integrated
ESD withstanding 25 kV without additional protection
Compatible with various pyrotechnic compositions
APPLICATIONS
• Automotive (airbag, pretensioner)
• Fireworks
• Mining
RESOURCES
• Datasheet: MEPIC - http://www.vishay.com/doc?53058
• MEPIC Design Guide: http://www.vishay.com/doc?53054
• For technical questions contact: [email protected]
One of the World’s Largest Manufacturers of
Discrete Semiconductors and Passive Components
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THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT ARE SUBJECT TO
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V I S H AY I N T E R T E C H N O L O G Y, I N C .
IGNITORS
MEPIC
MEPIC
www.vishay.com
Vishay Sfernice
MassiveMassive
Electro-Pyrotechnic
Ignitor Chip (MEPIC) Resistor
Electro-Pyrotechnic Ignitor Chip Resistor
FEATURES
• Material categorization:
For definitions of compliance please see
www.vishay.com/doc?99912
DESCRIPTION
Electro-pyrotechnic ignitor chip resistors, also
known as bridge resistors, are resistive elements
that convert electrical energy into heat energy in a precise
electro-thermal profile for the purpose of initiating a series
of pyrotechnic events in a controlled energetic reaction.
In automotive applications this effect is used to deploy
automotive airbags and other safety devices. These same
devices are also used in mining applications for digital
blasting or in fireworks applications for a better
synchonization of fireworks, music, and special effects.
Vishay Sfernice has used its experience of more than
10 years in the automotive field with its massive
electro-pyrotechnic ignitor mounted onto a header, used
to actuate airbags, to develop an SMD version with
wraparound terminations for mounting onto a PCB.
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The two main parameters of a MEPIC are “no fire” and “all fire” conditions.
“No fire” represents the immunity of the resistor to the environmental electro-magnetic pollution and electric continuity test.
The customer will provide Vishay Sfernice with “no firing” conditions: maximum current and longest duration when part should
not ignite the explosive powder.
“All fire” represents the command pulse. The customer will provide Vishay Sfernice with “all firing” conditions: minimum current
and duration necessary to ignite the explosive powder.
TECHNOLOGY
This technology contributes to the stability of the heating element, the precise electro-thermal response profile, and the ability
to specify a precise activation energy.
All these features are perfectly controlled in the massive electro-pyrotechnic ignitor mounted onto a header, even in very high
production volumes. The SMD version will benefit from more than 10 years of experience of this version, and same behavior is
expected after iterations.
AIRBAGS INITIATORS
A prerequisite to valid reliability estimation of an electro-explosive device (EED) is a sensitivity test program carefully chosen
and properly performed. The Bruceton Method (or up and down method) of sensitivity testing was developed specifically for
ordnance testing.
Revision: 14-Nov-12
HOW TO GET TO THE RIGHT MEPIC
Each MEPIC will be adapted to customer pyrotechnic element. To attain the correct specification, Vishay Sfernice works by
iteration. Upon receipt of a completed MEPIC Design Guide form, an initial sampling lot is given to customer (along with a
MEPIC reference) so it can provide Vishay Sfernice with “no firing”/“all firing” conditions obtained after first testing. Then Vishay
Sfernice will be able to provide a new set of samples (eventually tooling charges will be necessary) with a resistive element
having an optimized length, width, and thickness, so as to increase the sensitivity of the MEPIC and adapt the firing conditions
to the pyrotechnic element of the customer. When the optimal performance level is reached, Vishay Sfernice will design a final
set of photomasks (with the participation of the customer).
Revision: 16-Nov-11
PRODUCT
Document Number: 53058
1
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
SHEET
2/2
VMN-PT0290-1411
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT ARE SUBJECT TO
SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000