199D475X0016B6B1E3

Tantalum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitor, and their use is widespread in electronic applications. While their construction is similar to other electrolytic capacitors, their behavior is much different. Unlike their counterparts, tantalum capacitors feature very low internal leakage and are able to meet high capacitance values in a very small package. Because of their low leakage and high capacitance, they are very useful in high-stability systems.

The specific part number disclosed in the title of this article, 199D475X0016B6B1E3, is a tantalum capacitor of the molded surface mount variety. This particular part offers very low internal leakage, along with a capacitance value of 47μF (47 x 10-6 Farads). Its rated voltage is 16VDC, and its maximum allowable ripple current at the rated voltage and a rated temperature of 25°C is 540mA. This part type is a polarized capacitor—the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ symbols on its markings indicate that it must be connected in a specific orientation.

Tantalum capacitors have a wide variety of applications, from portable consumer devices to heavy industrial equipment. For instance, they are used extensively in power supplies and signal conditioning circuits, where their low internal leakage and high capacitance are very valuable. In the signal conditioning application, their high capacitance can be used to account for signal losses in the signal path. They are also used to filter low-frequency noise in power supplies, as their low impedance can vary with frequency in a controlled manner. In portable consumer devices, they are typically used to maintain a steady power supply, as they can cope with large current surges while still maintaining their capacitance value.

The working principle of tantalum capacitors is similar to other electrolytic capacitors—similar to other capacitors, they use the principle of two conducting plates separated by a dielectric material in order to store energy. The difference between tantalum capacitors and other electrolytic capacitors is that they are constructed using tantalum metal and an electrolyte (a liquid or solid). The electrolyte provides the dielectric layer between the plates, making it possible to store far more energy than other types of capacitors. The tantalum anode forms an oxide layer on its surface, creating a dense, highly stable oxide layer that contributes to the capacitor’s low leakage current and low ESR (equivalent series resistance).

Tantalum capacitors offer a variety of advantages where electric components are concerned. Their high capacitance values and low internal leakage make them ideal for many applications, and they are well suited to both portable devices and complex industrial systems. With its low ESR, they can also provide excellent currents ratings alongside high-frequency blocking. With their low cost and long-term reliability, they are popular in a wide range of electronic applications, from power supplies to signal conditioning circuits.