New series of COTS plus polymer solid electrolytic multianode chip capacitors

AVX Corporation has a new high-reliability TCS Series COTS Plus polymer solid electrolytic multianode chip capacitors. Designed for demanding, long-lifetime DC-DC converter applications in telecommunications, industrial, and avionics electronics, the capacitors feature a robust design consisting of parallel capacitor segments with conductive polymer electrodes in a single package. Combining rugged construction with optimized anode design and materials, the series delivers very low ESR values (12mohm), low leakage current (0.1CV), high volumetric efficiency (with capacitance ratings spanning 470mF to 1000mF), high frequency capacitance retention, stable performance characteristics, and a more benign failure mode than traditional SMD electrolytic capacitors under recommended use conditions. Currently available up to 6.3V with development in progress up to 35V rated. Made to COTS Plus specifications, the capacitors undergo 100% accelerated age testing, are qualified to MIL-STD-202 with regard to mechanical shock and vibration, and are available with three surge testing options: standard, 10 cycles at 25C, and 10 cycles at both -55C and +85C. Also subjected to the company’s patented Q-process, which combines maverick part control with statistical screening and process control enhancements to ensure the removal of any components that may experience parametric shifts through customer processing or display instability through operational lifetime, TCS Series COTS Plus capacitors achieve an improved base reliability of 0.5% per 1,000 hours at 85°C and rated voltage with 0.1ohm/V series impedance. "Employing a robust combination of conductive polymer electrodes in a multianode construction, our new COTS Plus TCS Series capacitors are ideal for use in demanding, long-lifetime applications that require ultra low ESR in addition to more stable and longer lifetime performance," said Mitch Weaver, a member of the technical staff at AVX. "Initial samples of the series were very well received, and we're actively engaged in development to extend both the voltage and capacitance ratings." The capacitors are currently available in an "E" case size (EIA Metric 7343-41), three rated voltages (2.5V, 4V, and 6.3V), and two capacitance ratings (470mF and 1000mF) with a ±20% tolerance. Operating temperatures for the series span -55C to +125C, and the parts can withstand relative humidity (RH) extending up to 85% at 85C and rated voltage for 500 hours. The Series capacitors are RoHS compliant and lead-free compatible, 3x reflow compatible at 260C, available with solder or tin-plated terminations, and are shipped on 7" or 13" reels for automated SMT placement.