M39003/01-3165/TR

Tantalum Capacitors

M39003/01-3165/TR Application Field and Working Principle

Tantalum capacitors, also known as Ta-capacitors, are an electronic component widely used in electronic devices which employs capacitors, such as impedance and frequency filters, voltage regulators and signal processing circuitry. These capacitors are made from tantalum, which gives them superior performance compared to other types of capacitors. Generally, there are two common capacitor types: wet-slug capacitors and solid-electrolyte capacitors.

Solid-electrolyte tantalum capacitors offer a very wide range of advantages over the wet-slug type. Among these advantages are: very low ESR (equivalent series resistance), solid construction, longer endurance, wide range of operating temperature, and higher reliability. The M39003/01-3165/TR grade is an excellent example of a solid-electrolyte tantalum capacitor.

The M39003/01-3165/TR grade is a temperature-compensated, radial-leadeed, solid tantalum capacitor. It is available in a wide range of capacitance and voltage ratings, from 0.47µF to 47µF and from 4V to 65V, respectively. The temperature compensation is implemented with a polyethylene or polypropylene dielectric film, providing a temperature range of -55°C to +125°C.

The working principle of a tantalum capacitor is basically the same as any other type of capacitor. When a voltage is applied across the two-terminal leads of the device, which are usually made of pure tin-coated copper wires, electrification takes place. The flow of electrons and ions between the two electrodes thus creates an electric field within the device. This electric field is responsible for maintaining the capacitance of the device even as the voltage is changed. In the case of the M39003/01-3165/TR grade, the electric field is maintained even under extreme conditions such as high temperature. Furthermore, the device’s self-healing capability can limit possible damages even after long time of working.

The tantalum capacitor also has significant advantages in its application field. With high capacity, low ESR, and very long working life, the device is perfectly suited for applications that involve high frequency oscillations, temperature-sensitivity, and extreme conditions. Some of its prominent application fields are: switch-mode power supplies, communications systems, medical devices, instrumentation and control systems, and automotive electronics.

To sum up, tantalum capacitors, and the M39003/01-3165/TR grade in particular, are excellent devices with superior performance and wide range of advantages over other types of capacitors. Thanks to their excellent electrical characteristics, robust construction, and long working life, the device is well suited for applications that require high level of performance in extreme conditions.