Regular tantalum capacitor quotation

What is a tantalum electrolytic capacitor?

A tantalum electrolytic capacitor is a type of electrolytic capacitor. It comprises a pellet of porous tantalum metal as an anode, covered by an insulating oxide layer that forms the dielectric, surrounded by liquid or solid electrolyte as a cathode.

What do the numbers on a tantalum capacitor mean?

Tantalum capacitors usually come with 2 numbers on them along with a long band a positive plus sign ("+"). These are all there to help us discover what value of capacitance the capacitor is, its maximum working voltage, and which lead is positive. Below is a diagram of a tantalum capacitor with the meanings of its components labeled:

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.

What is the difference between a tantalum capacitor and a St capacitor?

Its unique cathode system providesthe highest capacitance per unit volume. The designfacilitates a doubling of capacitance, lower ESR and higher ripple current rating compared with conventional wet tantalum products. Moreover, the ST has the capacitancestability of a solid tantalum capacitor and there are no circuit impedance restrictions.

Why do tantalum electrolytic capacitors fail?

In solid tantalum electrolytic capacitors the heat generated by the ripple current influences the reliability of the capacitors. Exceeding the limit tends to result in catastrophic failures with shorts and burning components.

Why are tantalum capacitors used in sample and hold circuits?

The low leakage and high capacity of tantalum capacitors favor their use in sample and hold circuits to achieve long hold duration, and some long duration timing circuits where precise timing is not critical.