AVX Develops 125V Tantalum Polymer Capacitors

AVX Corp. has developed the technology needed to manufacture a tantalum polymer capacitor with a voltage rating of 125V, more than twice the rated voltage of similar devices on the market today. This advancement in capacitor technology signifies an industry first, the passing of the 100V plateau, and means the company will be able to manufacture more efficient capacitors, as well as extend the range of devices available to engineers for new consumer product applications.

Limited quantity samples of the TCJ Series 125V version are now availble, with volume production available next year 2012.

AVX developed the technology by optimizing processes that enhance capacitor performance, and working in close co-operation with polymer suppliers. Conductive polymer has been proven to provide low ESR and reduced ignition failure mode. In addition, due to polymer capacitors' surge robustness, they can support a lower derating figure of 20 percent. Previously, the working voltage of tantalum-polymer capacitors was limited by the dielectric material's maximum achievable breakdown voltage. AVX's new developments in polymer technology address these working voltage limits and are expected to yield even higher-rated products in the future.

"Passing the 100V milestone represents a significant development in high voltage tantalum capacitors. AVX is the recognized market leader in tantalum polymer capacitor development, and our advanced TCJ Series tantalum polymer capacitors have achieved a number of industry firsts, including delivering the highest operating voltage in the industry for a product of its type," remarked Tomas Zednicek, Worldwide Technical Marketing Manager, Tantalum Division, at AVX.

AVX recently received industry recognition when its 50V rated tantalum polymer capacitor was named as Passive & Electromechanical Product of the Year in December 2010 at the prestigious Elektra Awards in London.

Previous breakthroughs in capacitor performance by AVX include their single-anode TCJ Series with 10µF/35V and 1µF/50V CV ratings, and the multi-anode TCM Series rated at 22µF/35V that also has the lowest ESR in the industry at 25mΩ. AVX's tantalum polymer capacitors feature a conductive polymer electrode that reduces ignition failure mode, provides excellent ESR stability over temperature, high volumetric efficiency and are 260°C reflow compatible up to three times.

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