TPSA475K020A1800

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors, also known as tantalum electrolytic capacitors, are two-terminal electronic components that are used as energy storage, typically in electronic circuits. They are made of tantalum and are generally smaller and longer-lasting than other types of capacitors. The most common type of tantalum capacitor is the solid, polarity-marked tantalum capacitor.

The TPSA475K020A1800 is a solid tantalum capacitor with a high capacitance and farad value in a very small package. With its small size, it is ideal for use in tight circuits, where other capacitor types would be too large or bulky. This capacitor is polarity-marked, making it easy to identify the positive and negative terminals. It is available as surface-mount version with lead-free terminations, allowing for reliable and consistent solder joint integrity for robust performance in harsh environments.

Application Field and Working Principle

Tantalum capacitors are used in a wide range of electronic applications, including voltage stabilization, signal filtering and power supply regulation. The TPSA475K020A1800 is perfect for these applications due to its low profile and reliability in harsh environments. It provides a capacitance of 47μF with a voltage rating of 2.5V, making it ideal for high-speed circuits and providing excellent signal processing.

The working principle of a tantalum capacitor is similar to that of an electrolytic capacitor, where a thin layer of tantalum oxide is formed on a tantalum powder core. This forms the mechanism for electrical storage and enables the capacitor to work. The thin layer of oxide acts as an insulator, allowing electrons to move from one side of the capacitor (the anode) to the other side (the cathode). This creates a polarization effect, allowing electricity to be stored in the capacitor and then discharged when it is needed.

Unlike other types of capacitors, tantalum capacitors are non-polar, meaning they do not require the user to identify the positive and negative terminals. This makes them very easy to use and eliminates the need for cumbersome polarity identification. Furthermore, tantalum capacitors feature low ESR (equivalent series resistance) and high capacitance, meaning they require minimal amounts of energy to operate at full capacity, which makes them highly efficient for power supply applications.

In addition, tantalum capacitors have excellent thermal stability, making them ideal for use in high-temperature environments. Their robust construction and shock-resistant design allow them to handle mechanical impacts and vibration, thus making them suitable for use in military and aerospace applications where extreme operating conditions are unavoidable.

With a footprint of only 4.75mm x 5.2mm, the TPSA475K020A1800 is a very small Tantalum capacitor which packs a big punch. It is ideal for use in compact circuits, providing reliable energy storage and extremely reliable filtering in electronic applications.