M39003/01-7387/HSD

Tantalum Capacitors

A tantalum capacitor is an electronic component used widely in all different types of electronic equipment, from radios and telephones to satellites and computers. Commissioned by a variety of government agencies and military organizations since the 1950s, its most common form is the M39003/01-7387/HSD. The capacitor’s physical properties and overall reliability make it ideal for delicate and static-sensitive electronics found in the modern world.

Physical Characteristics

The M39003/01-7387/HSD is constructed of two metal foils, separated by a dielectric. Its structure is made up of an anode, cathode, a capacitor element, and an outer encapsulation to protect it from the elements. Most M39003/01-7387/HSD capacitors measure around 0.2-0.4 inches in length, with diameters ranging smaller than a US quarter. Made of reliable tantalum, which is extremely resistant to temperature changes and shock, the M39003/01-7387/HSD can endure pressure and still perform at a high level.

Voltage Capabilities

M39003/01-7387/HSD capacitors are rated for an operating voltage of up to 85 volts. Equipped with a voltage de-rating of approximately 8%, this means that the capacitor’s voltage could potentially go as high as 91 volts in certain situations. They can also stand working and hold-up voltages up to 110 volts.

Applications and Industries

M39003/01-7387/HSD capacitors are often used in projects that require extreme reliability and long life. These tantalum capacitors typically have a longer lifetime than one of its main competitors, the aluminum electrolytic capacitor. Its superior temperature range and capacitance makes it useful for applications ranging from automotive electronics and computers to transmitters and general military use. Industries that benefit from the use of the M39003/01-7387/HSD include the aerospace, automotive and military industries.

Working Principle

Tantalum capacitors work using Faraday’s Principle. This states that when a conductor, such as a metal plate, passes current through, it produces an electric field perpendicular to the conductor’s movement. A conductor carrying an electric field is called an inductor. When the electric field passes through the dielectric material of the capacitor, it creates a charge. This charge is then stored in the capacitor, allowing it to act as an electrical storage unit.

Advantages

M39003/01-7387/HSD capacitors are still commonly used today due to the numerous advantages that they provide. The metal-foil construction helps prevent arcing and delivers extremely low leakage levels of nearly 0.01%. This allows the capacitor to provide extremely tightly regulated power and maintain a steady voltage, meaning that an electronic circuit can be run for extended periods of time. With the ability to work with both direct and alternating currents, the M39003/01-7387/HSD offers reliability for a wide range of applications.

In addition, these capacitors have great temperature performance. The M39003/01-7387/HSD can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -55 to +125°C, allowing them to be used in systems with large temperature swings. Finally, as major components in a wide variety of electronics and computer hardware, M39003/01-7387/HSD capacitors are relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of capacitors.