New Capacitors Feature Commercial-Grade Endurance Ratings

Capacitors are crucial in electronic circuits because they store and release electrical energy, filter signals, and stabilize voltage levels. Capacitor applications span a wide range of industries, including automotive systems, telecommunications, and power distribution networks. With such a breadth of applications, the capacitor industry is characterized by intense competition.

Kyocera AVX has introduced the latest surface-mount AEK Series wet aluminum V-chip capacitors designed for industrial and commercial applications. This article examines the need for innovative capacitor technology and explores how Kyocera AVX’s innovation could provide a solution.

Capacitors are used in power transmission. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Capacitor Performance Parameters

In capacitor technology, various parameters dictate performance and suitability. These include:

• Equivalent series resistance (ESR), which reflects internal resistance and affects efficiency. 
• Impedance, which comprises resistance and reactance, opposing AC flow. 
• Temperature ratings, which dictate the safe performance range of a device
• Voltage rating, which indicates the maximum safe voltage
• The termination material, which significantly impacts the reliability of solder joints, minimizing the risk of electrical discontinuities and enhancing overall capacitor performance and reliability.

Anatomy of aluminum capacitor. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Electrolytic capacitors come in various types, each tailored for specific applications. As the name suggests, the electrolyte is the main feature defining these types of capacitors. They feature an electrolyte and a metal oxide layer, typically aluminum oxide, which serves as the dielectric. This design allows for high capacitance values per unit volume, making them ideal for applications requiring large amounts of charge storage. Particularly, electrolytic aluminum capacitors stand out for their high capacitance and voltage handling capabilities. 

Elevating Capacitor Standards

Kyocera AVX has unveiled the AEK Series wet aluminum V-chip capacitors, addressing the demand for durable components in industrial and commercial applications. 

According to the datasheet, these capacitors boast low ESR and impedance, an endurance rating of up to 3,000 hours at +105°C, and a peak temperature of 260°C. Available in 12 case sizes (from 0608 to 1216) and 66 different part numbers, the AEK Series offers capacitance values ranging from 1 to 1,000 μF (±20% tolerance) and voltage ratings from 6.3 to 400 VDC.

AEK series capacitor. Image courtesy of Kyocera AVX

Notably, the AEK Series capacitors utilize wet aluminum technology, featuring an electrolyte and a metal oxide layer to enhance performance and longevity. With pure tin terminations on 13" or 15" reels compatible with automated assembly equipment, these capacitors support reflow assembly seamless installation processes. Furthermore, being AEC-Q200 tested and following RoHS-compliant standards, they boast lead-free compatibility, ensuring environmental sustainability.

Shaping the Future of Electronics

The latest addition to Kyocera AVX's portfolio of aluminum electrolytic capacitors provides customers with an even greater range of capacitance values and voltage ratings. Kyocera AVX's focus on continuous innovation addresses the market's need for cost-competitive and high-performance solutions in compact packages, positioning the AEK Series as a significant advancement in capacitor technology for industrial and commercial applications.