High power resistor having an improved operating temperature range

1. A high power resistor comprising a non-film resistance element having first and second opposite ends, first and second opposite side edges, a first flat surface, and a second flat surface opposite from the first flat surface;

first and second leads extending from the first and second apposite ends of the resistance element;

a pre-mold body covering the first flat surface of the resistance element and having first and second slots that have the first and second opposite side edges of the resistance element fitted therein;

a heat conducting and electrically nonconductive adhesive on the second flat surface of the resistance element, the adhesive having the properties of maintaining the structural integrity and adhesive capabilities of the adhesive in the temperature range of −65° C. to +275° C.;

a heat sink of dielectric material and of heat conductive material;

the adhesive being between and in contact with both the second flat surface of the resistance element and the heat sink and adhering to both the heat sink and the resistance element for conducting heat from the resistance element to the heat sink;

a molded body surrounding the pre-mold body, the resistance element, the adhesive, and part of the heat sink;

whereby the heat conducting relationship of the resistance element, the adhesive and the heat sink render the resistance element capable of operating as a resistor between temperatures of from −65° C. to +275° C.

2. The high power resistor according to claim 1 wherein the first and second leads are welded to the resistance element.

3. The high power resistor according to claim 1 wherein the dielectric body includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposite ends, a portion of the heat sink being exposed to the atmosphere through the upper surface of the molded body.

4. A high power resistor comprising:

a resistor blank comprising a non-film resistance element, a first lead, and a second lead;

the resistance element having first and second opposite ends, first and second opposite side edges, a first flat surface, and a second flat surface opposite from the first flat surface;

the first and second leads extending from the first and second opposite ends of the resistance element;

a pre-mold body covering the first flat surface of the resistance element and having first and second slots that have the first and second opposite side edges of the resistance clement fitted therein; a heat conducting and electrically nonconductive adhesive on the second flat surface of the resistance element, the adhesive having the properties of maintaining the structural integrity and adhesive capabilities of the adhesive in the temperature range of −65° C. to −275° C.;

a heat sink of dielectric material and of heat conductive material;

the adhesive being between and in contact with both the first surface of the resistance element and the heat sink and adhering to both the heat sink and the first surface of the resistance element for conducting heat from the resistance element to the heat sink;

a molded body surrounding the pre-molded body, the resistance element, the adhesive, and part of the heat sink, the molded body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and first and second opposite ends;

the upper surface of the molded body having a portion of the heat sink exposed for conduction of heat from the resistance element through the adhesive and the heat sink to the atmosphere;

whereby the heat conducting relationship of the resistance element, the adhesive and the heat sink render the resistance element capable of operating as a resistor between temperatures of from −65 ° C. to +275 ° C.