Are tantalum polymer capacitors compact?

Packaged in a molded resin case, the tantalum polymer capacitors are among most compact on the market. Though compact, a wide range of sizes is available for this capacitor type. • Polymer hybrid aluminum capacitors.

What is the difference between a tantalum-mno2 & SP-Cap polymer capacitor?

One such test compared our SP-Cap polymer capacitors to a conventional tantalum-MnO2 capacitors. The polymer model withstood short currents as high as 7 amps, while the tantalum capacitor started smoking at 3 amps and ignited at 5 amps. This safety enhancement has important design and cost implications.

Do tantalum capacitors need to be derated?

Conventional tantalum capacitors are normally derated in use by 30 to 50% their labeled voltage to ensure that they operate safely. This derating, while a common and accepted engineering practice, results in an upsizing of capacitors and increased cost.

Do polymer tantalum capacitors have low ESR?

Polymer tantalum capacitors employ a conductive polymer as the electrolyte and have a tantalum cathode (see Figure 3). They span voltages from 1.8 to 35V and capacitances from 2.7 to 680μF. They, too, have low ESR values. They, too, have low ESR, with some of our POSCAPTM capacitors exhibiting ESR values as low as 5mΩ.

What is a hybrid capacitor?

Hybrids are compact. Given the ongoing push to miniaturize electrical equipment, the size of capacitors has taken on a growing importance. Surface mount hybrid capacitors measuring just 6.3 x 5.8 mm can handle 35V and ofer a capacitance of 47μF. The small size can save a signiicant amount of board space.

Why do tantalum capacitors fail prematurely?

Conventional electrolytic capacitors tend to fail prematurely when their liquid electrolyte dries up‚ which happens in response to elevated temperatures and long on times. Conventional tantalum capacitors are one possible solution to these premature failures.