T491X157K020AT7280

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitor which utilizes the special characteristics of tantalum and the electrolytic solution to achieve an improved range of features over traditional aluminum electrolytic and paper dielectric capacitors. The T491X157K020AT7280 is a high performance, low profile capacitors with long lasting performance, designed for high temperature, high voltage and high energy applications.

Application Field

The T491X157K020AT7280 is a surface mount, axial leaded tantalum capacitor, widely used in Designs which require high component density. Suitable for Medical applications, Communications, and Automotive Electronics. They feature high frequency applications such as line interfacing and data transmissions. Many military and aerospace applications also favor the use of tantalum capacitors due to their high levels of reliability.

Working Principle

A tantalum capacitor consists of a pellet of tantalum metal as the anode, covered by an insulating oxide layer that forms the dielectric. The tantalum pellet is then surrounded by a conductive solid electrolyte which forms the cathode of the capacitor. When a voltage is applied across the capacitor terminals, electrons tunnel through the oxide layer and accumulate on the tantalum surface. This electrochemically creates an electric field within the dielectric which opposes the applied voltage.

The dielectric’s ability to store energy is directly proportional to the thickness of the oxide layer. The thicker the oxide layer, the greater the electrostatic capacity of the capacitor. Due to its higher dielectric constant and capacitance stability, the T491X157K020AT7280 is well suited for high-frequency applications, a typical example being electrical stabilizers.

The T491X157K020AT7280 also offers additional benefits such as a low ESR (equivalent series resistance), low leakage current and a very long life span. Due to the solid-state electrolyte and the absence of drying out, tantalum capacitors are usually used in circuits where thermal stability is required.