Tantalum Capacitors

This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Tantalum Capacitors category on DigiKey.com

A capacitor is a passive electronic device that stores electric charge. Tantalum capacitors have an anode electrode (+) made of tantalum metal, an electrolyte that acts as the cathode, and a thin insulating layer of tantalum oxide that acts as the dielectric. Tantalum capacitors have high capacitance-voltage (CV) products per unit volume at low weights and are known for high reliability.


SelectionCharacteristics

Capacitance: A measurement of the device’s ability to store an electrical charge. It is measured in Farads (F) and uses the metric system for values.

Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device value among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.

Voltage - Rated: Typically this represents the maximum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.

Type: An indication of the type of body the device has.

ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): The ESR of Electrolytic capacitors is an important factor to consider in circuits where current levels are relatively high. Also under some circumstances, the current sourced from them needs to have a low source impedance, for example: when the capacitor is being used in a power supply circuit as a reservoir capacitor. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consult the manufacturer’s data sheets to discover whether the electrolytic capacitor chosen will meet the requirements for the circuit. If the ESR is high, then it will not be able to deliver the required amount of current in the circuit without a voltage drop resulting from the ESR which will be seen as a source resistance.

Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.

Lifetime @ Temp.: Characterizes a device’s longevity in service at the indicated temperature. Can be calculated using various methods and standards, see the manufacturer’s documentation for supporting information.

Mounting Type: Identifies how the device is attached.

Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.

Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the main body of the device. Typically listed as length X width or diameter X length.

Height - Seated (Max): Indicates how far the device will extend above the surface to which it has been attached.

Lead Spacing: Indicates the center-to-center spacing between adjacent leads.

Manufacturer Size Code: The manufacturer’s designator for a device’s physical package/form factor. May have inconsistent meanings across manufacturers or product series.

Ratings: Minimum performance standards of the device, which are typically set by a third party.

Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as high reliability.

Failure Rate: A factor used for reliability calculations that accounts for initial production quality, per MIL-HDBK-217. Typically N/A for parts not manufactured to military specification.

ProductExamples

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MFR PART # 3THP4050303
DIGI-KEY PART # 4054-3THP4050303-ND
MANUFACTURER Quantic Evans
DESCRIPTION 30 mF Hermetically Sealed Tantalum Capacitors 50 V Module 35mOhm @ 1kHz
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # TW2E208M060CBSZ0S00
DIGI-KEY PART # 478-7293-ND
MANUFACTURER KYOCERA AVX
DESCRIPTION 2000 µF Molded Tantalum Capacitors 60 V Module 500mOhm
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # TCP0J106M8R
DIGI-KEY PART # 478-TCP0J106M8RTR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER KYOCERA AVX
DESCRIPTION 10 µF Molded Tantalum Capacitors 6.3 V 0805 (2012 Metric) 8.3Ohm
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # TAJA106K010RNJ
DIGI-KEY PART # 478-1654-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER KYOCERA AVX
DESCRIPTION 10 µF Molded Tantalum Capacitors 10 V 1206 (3216 Metric) 3Ohm
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # TAP106K035CRW
DIGI-KEY PART # 478-7368-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR)
MANUFACTURER KYOCERA AVX
DESCRIPTION 10 µF Conformal Coated Tantalum Capacitors 35 V Radial 2Ohm
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # T322E107K010AT
DIGI-KEY PART # 399-4551-ND
MANUFACTURER KEMET
DESCRIPTION 100 µF Molded Tantalum Capacitors 10 V Axial 1Ohm
DATASHEET Click Here

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MFR PART # T18D108K075CZSS
DIGI-KEY PART # 718-2129-ND
MANUFACTURER Vishay Sprague
DESCRIPTION 1000 µF Hermetically Sealed Tantalum Capacitors 75 V Axial, Can 500mOhm
DATASHEET Click Here

SchematicSymbol

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Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.

MediaLinks

Videos
Derate tantalum capacitors by how much? | Ask An FAE #3
Ripple Voltage Differences by Capacitor Type | Ask An FAE #6

Articles
What Is a Capacitor and What Are the Different Types?

Product Training Modules
Replacing MLCCs with Tantalum Capacitors - ROHM Semiconductor (Passive)
Molded Tantalum Surface Mount Capacitors - Vishay / Sprague
More Product Training Modules on Tantalum Capacitors.

Blogs
Identifying Capacitor Polarization
Why You Should Take a Look at KO-CAP If You Can’t Find Your MLCC

TechForum
Features of Tantalum Capacitor
How to test DC leakage on Tantalum Capacitors
Derating of Tantalum Capacitor
Tantalum Capacitors
Tantalum Capacitor Leakage Current Formulas (C & V values)

If you have any general questions on the specifications for selecting Tantalum Capacitors, please reply using the button below. If you have questions on specific Tantalum Capacitors please post those questions in the Capacitors category.