M39003/01-7039

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitor, one of the most common types of capacitors used in electronic circuits. They are often referred to as "tantalum electrolytic capacitors" because of the construction and use of tantalum metal as the anode. Tantalum capacitors offer a number of advantages over other types of capacitors, including higher capacitance, lower leakage current, and better temperature stability; and they are commonly used in many applications in the electronics industry.

M39003/01-7039 is one example of a tantalum capacitor. It is a radial-style capacitor, featuring two leads that are soldered to the circuit board. The capacitor has a capacitance of 47 µF (microfarads) and an operating voltage of 35 V. This part is available in other capacitance and voltage ratings, as well as in radial, axial, and vertical mounting styles.

Application Field and Working Principle

Tantalum capacitors are generally used in electronic circuits that require high stability and reliability; particularly in power supplies, portable devices, and in computers. The most important parameter of a tantalum capacitor is its capacitance, or capacity to store a charge. This is usually measured in microfarads (μF) or picofarads (pF), and determines how much electrical energy can be stored in the capacitor. The capacitor must also be able to store and maintain the charge within an acceptable operating range—often specified in terms of the voltage rating—otherwise the capacitor will fail.

Tantalum capacitors operate on the same basic principle as other types of capacitors. They are made up of two conducting surfaces separated by an insulating material. When the capacitor is charged, a voltage potential exists between the two surfaces, allowing electrons to move from one to the other. As the capacitor is discharged, the voltage potential between the two surfaces is reduced, thus allowing the charge to be released. This process is repeated as charge is transferred in and out of the capacitor, creating an alternating current (AC) flow.

Tantalum capacitors have a few advantages over other capacitors. Their larger surface area permits a higher capacitance for a given size, and their construction allows for a very low leakage current. They also have better temperature stability, meaning they can maintain their capacitance over a wide temperature range without significant variation. Additionally, tantalum capacitors have a long life expectancy of up to 10,000 hours, making them highly reliable.

These features make tantalum capacitors an ideal choice in a wide variety of applications, including audio circuits, power supplies, automotive systems, and consumer electronics. While most capacitors tend to suffer from significant capacitance changes over a wide temperature range, tantalum capacitors offer improved temperature performance, allowing them to be used in higher temperature environments without compromising performance.