The high temperature of down hole applications is a huge challenge to electronic components and most resistor technologies. Temperatures upwards of 275 °C are not uncommon and even above the melting point of some solders. Thin film resistors are oxidized into oblivion by these temperatures and wirewound devices see major value shifts. Even Vishay Foil resistors cannot be exposed indefinitely to these temperatures, but the encapsulation of the Vishay Foil element stands up to these environmental stresses long enough to enable down-hole measurements through dozens of deep travel cycles. The 100 times thicker resistive layer helps establish the Vishay Foil resistor as the preferred resistor for seismic oil exploration as well as for down hole applications.