Suntan Blog

Engineered for RF and microwave applications, the Suntan TS18Q Series MLCC delivers high Q performance, low ESR, and stable capacitance, making it an ideal solution for precision RF designs.

In PCB designs where space is limited and operating conditions are demanding, engineers face pressure to select components that balance compactness, thermal stability, and long-term reliability — all without increasing cost or complicating the assembly process.

Suntan’s TS13C Series SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors are designed to address these needs, offering practical benefits that help engineering teams reduce risk, save board space, and improve production efficiency.

How TS13C Helps You Build Better Products

1. Save Board Space Without Sacrificing Voltage or Performance

TS13C is available in 12.5–16mm case sizes, with voltage ratings from 160V to 450V. This allows it to replace larger through-hole capacitors in tight spaces, enabling more compact or multifunctional product layouts — especially useful in:

• Power modules
• Lighting drivers
• Automation controllers

Your Benefit: Smaller footprint, same voltage — unlock room for more functions or smaller enclosures.

2. Withstand Harsh Conditions Over Time

Rated for +125°C operation and 5,000-hour load life at 105°C, TS13C offers a long service life even in thermally challenging environments such as industrial control cabinets or LED power systems.

Your Benefit: Lower replacement rates, fewer field failures, reduced maintenance cost.

3. Simplify Your SMT Production Line

TS13C supports reflow soldering, ensuring it can be assembled with your standard SMD process — no manual insertion or rework required.

Your Benefit: Shorter production cycles, consistent soldering quality, lower assembly cost.

4. Maintain Electrical Stability Under Load

With low ESR, stable capacitance, and ripple current ratings up to 320mA (at 120Hz), TS13C performs reliably under pulse load and voltage fluctuations — making it ideal for converters, inverters, and filtering circuits.

Your Benefit: Consistent output, better filtering, and fewer design adjustments needed during prototyping.

Typical Use Cases

Many of our clients apply TS13C in:

• AC-DC and DC-DC power supplies
• Motor drive boards
• Base station modules
• Embedded control systems

In each case, TS13C helps them stay within their size, temperature, and reliability requirements — while meeting cost targets.

Final Consideration: Lower Design Risk

When choosing capacitors for high-voltage or high-temp designs, mistakes can lead to redesigns, compliance failures, or unexpected costs. TS13C is built according to JIS C-5141/C-5102 standards and is RoHS and halogen-free compliant, giving your team confidence in both performance and documentation.

Learn More or Request a Sample

• Datasheet: TS13C Series – SMD Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
• Contact: info@suntan.com.hk

All Kinds of Capacitors – Your Trusted Partner in Electronic Component

In AC power control applications—such as lighting dimmers, motor drives, or heater circuits—the use of TRIACs (Bidirectional Thyristors) remains a common and cost-effective solution. However, inconsistent triggering remains a frequent challenge that can compromise system stability, especially under variable load or low gate current conditions.

Understanding the root causes of this instability—and how to choose the right TRIAC accordingly—is key to reliable control.

Why Triggering Instability Happens

Triggering instability typically occurs when a TRIAC does not receive sufficient gate current to turn on reliably, or when the holding current is not sustained due to mismatched load conditions. Common signs include:

• Flickering in lighting applications
• Unresponsive or erratic motor control
• Failed switching under low-load or inductive environments

These symptoms often originate not from faulty components, but from improper TRIAC selection, especially in regard to gate trigger current (IGT), latching current (IL), and package thermal limitations.

The Role of Gate Trigger Current and Latching Current

A key consideration in TRIAC selection is the gate trigger current (IGT)—the minimum current required at the gate to initiate conduction.

• In control circuits with limited drive current (e.g., opto-isolators, microcontrollers), selecting a TRIAC with a low IGT, such as 3–10 mA, is critical.
• Once triggered, the latching current (IL) must be sufficient to sustain conduction. If the load current drops below this threshold during startup, the TRIAC may turn off unexpectedly.

For example, the Suntan BT134-600E (TO-126 package) offers an IGT as low as 5 mA, making it suitable for compact, low-power AC control scenarios.

Thermal Considerations and Package Selection

Apart from trigger characteristics, package type and current capacity significantly affect performance and reliability:

When controlling larger loads—such as industrial motors or heating elements—the use of TO-220 packages with adequate heatsinking is essential. The BTA16-800B, while rated for 16A, requires a higher gate current (35mA), making it more suitable for circuits with robust driver stages.

Choosing the Right TRIAC: A Design-First Approach

Here’s a simplified checklist for selection:

1. Start with your load: What’s the peak current and voltage rating required?
2. Assess your gate drive: Can your controller or driver provide sufficient IGT?
3. Consider thermal performance: Is a heatsink feasible in your design?
4. Check for certifications: Industrial or appliance-grade requirements?

Choosing a TRIAC that meets these requirements ensures clean turn-on, stable conduction, and minimal false triggering—especially in noisy or inductive environments.

Wrap-up: Not All TRIACs Are the Same

Selecting a TRIAC is more than matching voltage and current ratings. For engineers dealing with precision AC control, understanding gate behavior and thermal profiles is essential. A mismatch in trigger characteristics can easily undermine system stability—even with otherwise high-quality components.

Need More Information?

Feel free to reach out:
📧 info@suntan.com.hk | sales@suntan.com.hk

Related Links

• BT134-600E – TO-126, 600V / 4A (Low IGT)
• BT138-800E – TO-220, 800V / 12A
• BT139-800T – TO-220, 800V / 16A
• BTA16-800B – TO-220, 800V / 16A (High Power)

All Kinds of Capacitors – Your Trusted Partner in Electronic Component

---- All Kinds of Capacitors 

Being able to interpret capacitor part numbers is essential for efficient design and procurement. In this one-minute explainer video, we walk through the TS08H X2 Metallized Polypropylene Film Capacitor's part number structure and explain how each section relates to performance, usage, and sourcing.

Key Takeaways from the Video

• Step-by-step breakdown of a sample code: TS08H A9 105 KABOOOR
• Explanation of each part: series code, rated voltage, capacitance, tolerance, packaging, lead type, and remarks
• Practical tips on applying this knowledge to real-world component selection

Why Choose TS08H?

• Certified to international safety standards (VDE, ENEC, UL)
• Withstands high humidity and temperature
• Built-in self-healing mechanism for extended service life
• Resilient against surges and spikes—ideal for challenging environments

For technical documents and specifications, visit the TS08H Series Product Page .

Ideal for:

• Power supplies, motor drivers, and EMI filtering
• Smart appliances, outdoor kiosks, and automated systems
• Voltage division and snubber circuit applications

Why This Matters

Learning how to decode capacitor part numbers empowers engineers and buyers to:

• Avoid miscommunication with suppliers
• Streamline component selection and BOM generation
• Reduce design risks through precise specification matching

This video simplifies a complex task into a quick and actionable skillset — especially useful for procurement, R&D, and technical support roles.

Need More Information?

Related Links

• Visit TS08H Product Page
• Download TS08H Datasheet (PDF)
• Download Suntan Part Number System Guide (PDF)