150D474X0035A2TE3

Tantalum Capacitors

A tantalum capacitor (150D474X0035A2TE3) is an electrolytic capacitor, which uses tantalum in the anode. The tantalum capacitor is composed of two electrodes between which a dielectric film is formed as the medium of charge and discharge. It is a kind of polarized capacitor which has positive and negative electrodes and normally the anode has to be connected to the positive power supply.

The application fields of tantalum capacitors are mainly electronic equipment, such as power supply filtering, frequency conversion power supply in computer, telecommunications and industrial control equipment, and in charging power supply of portable electronic devices. Additionally, as tantalum capacitors are able to withstand a higher voltage with smaller size, it is also used for buffering, coupling, decoupling, bypass and stabilize voltage.

Working Principle – Since the voltage between the two electrodes will form an electric field, the minimum voltage, the maximum capacity film can withstand is determined by the breakdown voltage of the dielectric film. After forming the electric field, electrostatic charges are generated between two electrodes, which cause a charge transfer from one electrode to another and therefore current flow. This is the charging and discharging process.

When the circuit is closed, the capacitor charges itself. Due to the capacitance, a current from the power source will flow into the capacitor, which accumulates to the negative electrode and stores up electric charges. When the circuit opens, the capacitor discharges itself. The capacitor current flows out of the power source until the capacitor is discharged and stored energy on the capacitor is depleted.

By this charging and discharging process, the stored energy on the capacitor is converted into physical energy for other projects. As for the working voltage, the voltage supplied from the power source should not exceed its MAX working voltage, or it may cause electric leakage, permanent damage or even become a fire hazard. Furthermore, if the pulse current is applied to a capacitor, attention should be paid because some capacitors can’t withstand the pulse current.

In general, tantalum capacitors have higher capacitance and much smaller size compared to other capacitors. They are also highly reliable compared to other forms of capacitors, however, they can only withstand normal temperature range and they may wear out by aging as the dielectric film is easily affected by temperature and humidity.