Suntan Blog

Tantalum Capacitors are electrolytic capacitors that is use a material called tantalum for the electrodes. Large values of capacitance similar to aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be obtained. Also, tantalum capacitors are superior to aluminum electrolytic capacitors in temperature and frequency characteristics. When tantalum powder is baked in order to solidify it, a crack forms inside. An electric charge can be stored on this crack.

These capacitors have polarity as well. Usually, the "+" symbol is used to show the positive component lead. Do not make a mistake with the polarity on these types.

Tantalum capacitors are a little bit more expensive than aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Capacitance can change with temperature as well as frequency, and these types are very stable. Therefore, tantalum capacitors are used for circuits which demand high stability in the capacitance values. Also, it is said to be common sense to use tantalum capacitors for analog signal systems, because the current-spike noise that occurs with aluminum electrolytic capacitors does not appear. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are fine if you don't use them for circuits which need the high stability characteristics of tantalum capacitors.

Greenville, SC - KEMET Corporation announced the release of the first ever 35V rated surface mount polymer tantalum chip capacitor.

Since their introduction in the '90s, polymer tantalum capacitors have become a popular choice for capacitance solutions in portable consumer electronics due to their low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high reliability, volumetric efficiency, low profile design and benign failure mode. To date, these devices have been most commonly used in applications at or below 14V and are limited to voltage applications that cannot exceed 20V of continuous duty. These voltage restrictions are driven by limitations in the materials of construction and manufacturing processes that have until today prevented the industry from achieving higher voltage ratings.

"This first-to-market technology represents a significant breakthrough for design engineers," stated Dr. Philip Lessner, KEMET's CTO and Chief Scientist. "Military, aerospace, power supplies and industrial applications will all benefit from this advancement. Our first significant order has been placed by a U.S. military contractor to enhance the performance of a key communications network system that is used by multiple defense agencies around the world," continued Lessner.