What is the structure of a tantalum wet electrolytic capacitor?

The structure of a Tantalum Wet Electrolytic Capacitor consists of four main elements: a primary electrode (anode), dielectric, a secondary electrode system (cathode) and a wet (liquid) electrolyte. The first, positive electrode (the anode) is a very high surface area structure made of pure tantalum metal.

What are the electrical characteristics of a tantalum capacitor?

Areas of interest are highlighted. The electrical characteristics of a tantalum capacitor are determined by its structure, for example the ESR of a tantalum capacitor is very dependent on the tantalum pentoxide dielectric at low frequencies and on the internal manganese dioxide at higher frequencies.

What are surface mount tantalum capacitors?

Surface mount technology tantalum capacitors are increasingly being used in new circuit designs because of their volumetric efficiency, basic reliability and process compatibility. Additionally, they are replacing aluminum electrolytics, which use a wet electrolyte.

How are tantalum capacitors made?

Tantalum capacitors are manufactured from a powder of pure tantalum metal. A typical particle size for a high voltage powder would be 10 μm. By carefully choosing which powder is used to produce each capacitance/voltage code the surface area can be controlled. Powders with large particle size are used to produce high voltage capacitors.

Are tantalum electrolytic capacitors suitable for bulk capacitance applications?

Their lower electrolyte conductivity results in a greater capacitance drop with frequency, suiting wet tantalum electrolytic capacitors ideally to high reliability bulk capacitance applications. Capacitance is measured at 120Hz and 25°C with 2.0V DC bias applied.

Where can I find data on a tantalum polymer capacitor?

Finished Capacitors in Carrier Tape after Leads are Trimmed and Bent around Bottom Edges (7.3mm X 4.3mm). Manufacturers of tantalum polymer capacitors often make available to their customers typical electrical performance and reliability data. Occasionally, such data can also be found in technical papers.