Contents
What is tantalum capacitor used for?
Though tantalum capacitors usually require an external failsafe device to avoid issues caused by their failure mode, they are used in a wide variety of circuits. Some applications include PCs, laptops, medical devices, audio amplifiers, automotive circuitry, cell phones, and other surface-mounted devices (SMD).
Do tantalum capacitors fail short?
When a Tantalum Capacitor fails it can become a short circuit. Thus a large amount of current can be drawn from the power supply. If this is not limited by means of a resistor, or power supply current limit, then the power will cause the capacitor to heat considerably.
Is it safe to use tantalum capacitors in high energy circuits?
Solid Tantalum electrolytic capacitors have traditionally had a failure mode which makes their use questionable in high energy circuits that cannot be or have not been rigorously designed to eliminate any prospect of the applied voltage exceeding the rated voltage by more than a small percentage.
What happens when Tantalum is used in a circuit?
Tantalum capacitors have a failure mode which can be triggered by voltage spikes only ‘slightly more’ than their rated value. When used in circuits that can provide substantial energy to the capacitor failure can lead to thermal run-away with flame and explosion of the capacitor and low resistance short-circuiting of the capacitor terminals.
Where are cathode layers formed in a tantalum capacitor?
Extended range, high volumetric efficiency wet tantalum capacitors feature a special design of cathode layers that are formed on the internal surface of tantalum case(see Figure 1).
What kind of materials are used in extended range capacitors?
These extended range capacitors employ new cathode layer materials and design that are different from the one used in M39006 types capacitors (sintered tantalum powder with anodic oxide layer).