This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Tantalum - Polymer Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
Tantalum polymer capacitors are a polarized capacitor type distinguished by their use of a conductive polymer anode material, instead of the manganese dioxide traditionally used for other dry tantalum devices. While their cost tends to be higher, they also generally exhibit better electrical performance compared to traditional Ta-MnO2 device construction, along with a more benign failure mode that simplifies application considerations.
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 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.
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.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | M550B377M075AA |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 399-13745-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | KEMET |
| DESCRIPTION | 370 µF Hermetically Sealed Tantalum Polymer Capacitor 75 V M55 Module 40mOhm @ 100kHz |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | T550B107K060AH |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 399-7326-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | KEMET |
| DESCRIPTION | 100 µF Hermetically Sealed Tantalum Polymer Capacitor 60 V Axial 100mOhm @ 100kHz |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | T58W9105M035C0500 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 718-2209-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay Polytech |
| DESCRIPTION | 1 µF Molded Tantalum Polymer Capacitor 35 V 0805 (2012 Metric) 500mOhm @ 100kHz |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | TCJA106M016R0200 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 478-3451-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | KYOCERA AVX |
| DESCRIPTION | 10 µF Molded Tantalum Polymer Capacitor 16 V 1206 (3216 Metric) 200mOhm @ 100kHz |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Videos
KEMET Webinar - Polymer Capacitors - Your Solution When MLCC Lead Times Are Tight
Design Advantages of Polymer Capacitors
Articles
What Is a Capacitor and What Are the Different Types?
Product Training Modules
Using Murata’s Polymer Aluminum Capacitors to Replace Tantalum - Murata Electronics
Tantalum Polymer Capacitor Moisture Level and Storage/Reflow Conditions - KEMET
Tantalum (Polymer and MnO2) Temperature Derating Guidelines - KEMET
More Tantalum - Polymer Capacitor Product Training Modules
TechForum
Tantalum Capacitors