About Tantalum Capacitors Book

Who invented niobium and tantalum capacitors?

Comparison of the degradation mechanisms in tantalum and niobium capacitors became the topic of his Ph.D. in solid-state physics. Shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union, SCB ELITAN was closed and Yuri started his work for Sprague-Electric later Vishay-Sprague, the original manufacturer of solid tantalum capacitors.

How reliable are tantalum capacitors?

Modern tantalum capacitors are very reliable if used properly. That includes having a series resistance of at least 0.1 to 3 ohms in the circuit, derating the voltage to about 60% maximum of the rated voltage and keeping the temperature to a reasonable value. They must never, even briefly, be exposed to any reverse voltage.

Why are solid electrolytic tantalum capacitors declining in general applications?

The decline in general applications of Solid Electrolytic Tantalum capacitors, including those where high reliability and environmental stability are most needed, is due to the loss in volumetric efficiency and the fear of ignition and burning tantalum failure mode. This issue now dominates online publications.

Does technology affect the reliability and failure mode of polymer tantalum capacitors?

Technology has a strong impact on the reliability and failure mode of polymer tantalum capacitors. The lowest failure rate and no wear-out failure mode were observed in Polymer Tantalum capacitors manufactured with F-Tech. In contrast, Solid Electrolytic Tantalum capacitors that failed short did not exhibit ignition or burning tantalum.

What are Tantalum Capacitors called in F-Tech?

Tantalum capacitors manufactured with F-Tech technology are called reliable and ef cient SMD-type Tantalum capaci-fis. These allow optimal choices to the designers of the end-electronic devices depending on the specific requirements of their applications.

Why is a tantalum capacitor more prone to breakdown than a polymer capacitor?

Solid Electrolytic Tantalum capacitors are more prone to failure and release larger amounts of heat at breakdown compared to Polymer Tantalum capacitors, due to resistant low manganese oxides in the fault sites in the dielectric. For the same amount of energy stored in the capacitor, this difference in heat release can lead to the failure mode in Solid Electrolytic Tantalum capacitors.