TAP684K035CRW

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitor that are based on the use of tantalum as one of its electrodes. They are differentiated from other electrolytic capacitors due to the cathode being tantalum and the anode oxide film, instead of Al or Ni. This specific type, the TAP684K035CRW, is a surface mounted polymer tantalum capacitor.

Application Field

Tantalum capacitors are most commonly used in circuits where long life and stability are important, typically in areas such as audio, digital and military equipment, due to their superior performance compared to other types of electric capacitors. The TAP684K035CRW, in particular, is an excellent choice for use in circuits with a moderate and low temperature range, as it offers a low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and good endurance. The capacitor can also be employed in high temperature applications when paired with a suitable heatsink, as it has the ability to withstand temperatures up to 150°C and voltage up to 7.5 V.

Working Principle

Tantalum capacitors work in a similar manner to other electrolytic capacitors. Here, the tantalum metal acts as a conductive anode that has an oxide layer, acting as the dielectric between the plate and the electrolyte. The anode plate is attached to and insulated from the cathode plate. This connection is known as the ‘charge and discharge’ junction, as it is responsible for allowing the current to flow through the capacitor when a voltage source is applied, storing energy in the dielectric and when the source is removed the capacitor discharges.

As the capacitance is dependent on the area of the anode plate and the thickness of the oxide film, TAP684K035CRW capacitors are made so that they are able to hold a large amount of charge, reaching up to 7000µF at a nominal working voltage of 5.5V. With the lowest levels of contamination available and a high pulse ripple current, this capacitor can assure excellent performance over the lifetime of the component.

Tantalum capacitors are handy components, as they offer much more than other electric capacitors. They have a long service life, a small size and offer high performance levels. As such, they are an excellent fit for many types of electronic applications.