Evaluating Interchangeability Of MLCCs And Tantalum Electrolytics In High-Capacitance Applications

Focus:

Because of MLCC shortages, designers are reconsidering electrolytic capacitors for applications that had switched to class II ceramics in recent years. However, migrating circuit designs from MLCCs to tantalum electrolytics requires an understanding of multiple issues that impact how these different styles of capacitors will perform in the intended application. This article discusses the key parameters that differentiate these two capacitor categories in the various roles they play in power supply applications (bypassing, filtering, decoupling, bulk hold up and pulse power). It not only describes the range of parametric values, characteristics and options associated with MLCCs and tantalum electrolytics, but also the underlying differences in device construction and material properties. The discussion on electrolytics covers both tantalum and niobium oxide types. Article begins by explaining differences between electrostatic and electrolytic capacitors.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the differences in material properties, construction, operation and device options between tantalum and niobium oxide electrolytic capacitors and multilayer ceramic capacitors
• How to evaluate tantalum and niobium oxide electrolytic capacitors as replacements for MLCCs in power supply applications and other high-capacitance applications

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Author & Publication:

Chris Reynolds, AVX, Fountain Inn, SC, How2Power Today, Feb 15 2019

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