Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors

Capacitors

Capacitors are electrical components that are the basis of any electrical circuit. They are two electrically charged conductors separated by a dielectric such as paper, plastic, glass, air, or other material that is a weak conductor. A field is created between the two wires in which electrical energy can be stored. This conserved electrical energy can be used in compensating for dips in the electromagnetic field. The capacity of the stored electrical energy is measured with the unit farad.

Tantalum capacitors

Tantalum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitors made of the metal tantalum, which acts as an anode. Capacitors have a coating of oxide that acts as a dielectric and is surrounded by a cathode. What sets tantalum capacitors apart from others is its high capacity to weight and volume. Their price is higher than other capacitors, for this reason they are most often used when better performance is needed or a capacitor with small dimensions and high capacity is needed. Despite their small size, the capacitance values ​​of tantalum capacitors range from 1nF to 72mF. The voltage rating is in the extensive range of 2V to 500V.

Advantages

Tantalum capacitors are preferred in situations where high performance is required. Besides the small size, they offer a large capacity, different shapes and easy installation. Another characteristic of them is that they are heat-resistant in the range of -55°C to 125°, maintaining their capacity. They also have as long a service life as ceramic ones, as they do not age, that is, they retain their capacity throughout the entire working period. They can achieve a much larger storage volume relative to size than similarly sized aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

Disadvantages

Thinal capacitors, apart from their resistance and high capacity, are not universal for all cases. They are susceptible to damage, overvoltage, overload and give defects when installed incorrectly. Another feature is their high sensitivity to moisture and low operating voltage of up to 100V.

Types of capacitors

• Tantalum capacitors in the form of a SMD type chip - they make up 80% of all types of tantalum capacitors.
• Axial tantalum capacitors - most often used for medical purposes, in space and military applications.
• Tantalum capacitors dipped in resin - used to mount printed circuit boards.

Tantalum capacitors are used in sound systems. They are a passive electronic element and are made of solid tantalum pentoxide.