EPIC

Electro-Pyrotechnic Initiator Chip Resistor

Vishay Sfernice

Document Number: 53041

For technical questions, contact: sfer@vishay.com

www.vishay.com

Revision: 03-Nov-08

75

EXAMPLE OF APPLICATION

Chip: 0603

R: 2R ± 0R2

Energy: Around 1.5 mJ

Response time: 0.2 ms

Mounting Recommendations

EPIC can be mounted either on a PCB or on a squib. Please refer to Application Note (http://www.vishay.com//doc?53044) to

see Vishay/Sfernice recommendations.

AIRBAGS INITIATORS

A prerequisite to valid reliability estimation of an electro-explosive device (EED) is a sensitivity test program carefully chosen and

properly perform. The Bruceton Method (or up and down method) of sensitivity testing was developed specifically for ordinance

testing. Here under is an example of Bruceton’s test results.

2 customers: Customer A and customer B have equipped squibs of their own with 3 variants (Variant 1, 2 and 3) . Bruceton’s test

results of Vishay heating elements are shown in Table 1

CONCLUSION

Bruceton test results are self explanatory. They show that the electro-thermal behavior of EPIC is predictable, precise and

reproducible.

For more information please read the Application Note (http://www.vishay.com/doc?53044).

HOW TO GET THE RIGHT EPIC

Each EPIC will have to be adapted to customer pyrotechnic element. To reach the right product, Vishay/Sfernice works by

“iteration”. Upon receipt of the EPIC Design Guide (http://www.vishay.com/doc?53045) duly filled, an initial sampling lot is given

to customer (along with an EPIC reference) so he can provide Vishay/Sfernice with “no firing”/“all firing” conditions.

Then Vishay/Sfernice will be able to provide a new set of samples (eventually tooling charges will be necessary). Ohmic value of

samples will remain the same, but there will be a new compromise between the length, the width and the thickness of the filament

so as to increase the sensitivity of the EPIC and adapt the firing conditions to the pyrotechnic element of the customer.

When the right parameters are reached Vishay/Sfernice will design a final set of mask (with the participation of the customer).

Notes

• EPIC being a semi-custom product, please fill EPIC Design Guide (http://www.vishay.com/doc?53045) and send to

sfer@vishay.com to get appropriate part number.

• Per Vishay policy all the components designed for automotive applications should be tested in accordance to AEC Q200

specification. As the EPIC is just part of an ignitor which is designed and qualified by each customer Vishay is not proceeding

to any AEC Q200 test.

HEATING ELEMENT

CUSTOMER A

CUSTOMER B

NF (in mA)

AF (in mA)

NF (in mA)

AF (in mA)

Variant 1

546

766

538

776

Variant 2

571

839

577

859

Variant 3

619

891

612

875

ORDERING PROCEDURE

New Global Part Numbering: EPICxxxxNT

MODEL

xxxx

PACKAGING

EPIC

Will be determined

at time of design

N: Tin/silver

B: Tin/lead

G: Gold

W = Waffle pack

T = Tape and reel

PI

C

x

x

x

x

N

T

E