From Drift to Precision: How Manganin Thin Film Redefines Stability in Aerospace Sensing

Problem

Thales Group (France) relying on conventional metal films or bulk alloy resistors faced resistance drift, temperature sensitivity, and poor long-term stability in precision measurement and sensing applications. In current sensing, strain gauges, and high-accuracy electronics, temperature fluctuations and thermal cycling caused signal noise, calibration drift, and reduced measurement accuracy-especially in aerospace, power electronics, and scientific instrumentation.

Solution

Isabellenhütte adopted Manganin Thin Film, a precision alloy film composed primarily of Cu-Mn-Ni, deposited using sputtering or evaporation techniques. This material delivered:

Extremely low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), typically ±5-15 ppm/°C
Excellent long-term resistance stability under thermal cycling
High resistivity with tight uniformity across thin-film layers
Low thermal electromotive force (EMF) for precision measurements
Compatibility with microfabrication and MEMS processes

The intrinsic stability of manganin, combined with thin-film deposition control, enabled ultra-precise and repeatable electrical performance.

Result

After adoption, Thales Group (France) achieved measurable improvements:

Measurement accuracy improved by 20-40% in precision sensing circuits
Calibration drift reduced by 30-50% over long-term operation
Enhanced signal stability in high-current and low-noise environments
Improved device reliability in aerospace and scientific instrumentation

Overall, manganin thin film enabled higher precision, lower noise, and superior thermal stability in advanced electronic systems.

QY Research has recently published a comprehensive market study on Manganin Thin Film. Key findings are summarized below.

Core Market Data

Global market size: USD 731 million
CAGR (2024-2030): 6.2%
Average price: USD 395 per m2
Annual production: 1.85 million m2
Gross margin: 36%
Production capacity: 2.3 million m2

List of Main Players

Vishay Precision Group (USA) - Public (NYSE: VPG)
KOA Corporation (Japan) - Public (TSE: 6999)
TT Electronics (UK) - Public (LSE: TTG)
Honeywell (USA) - Public (NYSE: HON)
Murata Manufacturing (Japan) - Public (TSE: 6981)
Panasonic Industry (Japan) - Public (TSE: 6752)
Easpring Technology (China) - Public (SZSE: 300073)
Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric (China) - Public (HKEX: 03898)
Kaynes Technology (India) - Public (NSE: KAYNES)
Centum Electronics (India) - Public (NSE: CENTUM)
Isabellenhütte Heusler (Germany) - Private
Susumu (Japan) - Private
Caddock Electronics (USA) - Private
Thin Film Technology (USA) - Private
Ohmite Manufacturing (USA) - Private
Heraeus Holding (Germany) - Private
Huaxin Microlite Metal Materials (China) - Private
Shanghai Alloy Materials (China) - Private
Sahajanand Technologies (India) - Private
Micropack (India) - Private

1. By Film Thickness

Ultra-thin (Below 100 nm) - MEMS and micro-sensor applications
Standard thin film (100-500 nm) - Precision resistors and shunts
Thick thin-film (Above 500 nm) - High-current sensing elements

2. By Deposition Method

Sputtered Manganin Thin Film
Evaporated Manganin Thin Film

3. By Application

Precision Current Shunt Resistors
Strain Gauges & Load Cells
Aerospace & Defense Instrumentation
Power Electronics & EV Systems
Scientific Measurement Equipment

Case Study for Bidding

Time: May 2024
Supplier: Isabellenhütte
Buyer: Thales Group (France)
Product: Sputtered Manganin Thin Film (Ultra-Low TCR Grade)
Quantity: 18 tons
Contract Value: USD 22.5 million
Delivery Timeline: January 2025

Detailed Application Scenario

Thales Group (France) adopted Isabellenhütte's manganin thin film for high-precision current sensing in flight control and power distribution modules. The film's ultra-low TCR ensured stable resistance values across wide temperature ranges, maintaining accurate current measurements during rapid altitude and thermal changes.

Compared with conventional metal films, the manganin thin film delivered lower noise, reduced calibration drift, and improved long-term reliability. This enabled tighter system tolerances, enhanced safety margins, and compliance with stringent aerospace qualification standards. The case demonstrates how manganin thin film plays a critical role in precision electronics, thermal stability, and mission-critical measurement systems.

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This release was published on openPR.