Tantalum Capacitor

A tantalum capacitor is an electrolytic capacitor, a passive component of electronic circuits. The solid tantalum capacitor distinguishes itself from other conventional and electrolytic capacitors in having high capacitance per volume (high volumetric efficiency) and lower weight. Tantalum electrolytic capacitor has wide operating temperature range, stable temperature characteristics and large specific capacity, which can meet the long term working stability.

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Ceramic vs. Tantalum Capacitor:

Although both tantalum and ceramic capacitors are similar in their function, they have some differences in their techniques, materials, and performance. Ceramic and tantalum capacitors differ in certain ways:

• Aging. Ceramic capacitors tend to age faster than tantalum capacitors. Tantalum capacitors do not have a known wear-out mechanism.
• Polarization. tantalum capacitors are polarized, which means that they can only be connected to a DC supply and maintain the right terminal polarity. In contrast, ceramic capacitors are non-polarized, and you can easily connect them to an AC source.
• Temperature response. Tantalum capacitors show a linear change in capacitance when subjected to temperature changes, while ceramic capacitors usually show a non-linear response.
• Voltage response. Tantalum capacitors show consistent stability with change in applied voltage, whereas ceramic capacitors do not.

Tantalum Capacitor Marking:

There are several marking codes for capacitors. Today, most capacitors use alphanumeric codes. But, you can encounter older capacitors with color codes. It would help if you marked a tantalum capacitor with a marking that shows its temperature coefficient.

• Non-coded markings. The plainest way to mark an individual tantalum capacitor is to draw it onto the case. It works well with larger capacitors, where there is sufficient space for labeling.
• Abbreviated capacitor marking codes. There are three characters in this capacitor marking code. The first two figures represent the capacitor's significant figures. The final third is a multiplier.
• Capacitor working voltage codes. A tantalum capacitor's working voltage is essential. It always has a mark on the capacitors, even where alphanumeric coding is possible. Often, voltage coding is not available where the capacitor is small.

Tantalum Capacitor FAQs:

• What is surge voltage in terms of the tantalum capacitor? A surge voltage is the highest voltage that can be applied to a capacitor for a shorter period in circuits that has minimum series resistance.
• What happens to the tantalum capacitor when a reverse voltage is applied? Reverse voltage is where the anode electrode voltage is negative concerning cathode voltage. With a reverse voltage, a reverse leakage current flows in small micro-cracks or defects across the dielectric layer to the anode of the capacitor.
• Why do tantalum capacitors fail? A transient voltage or a current spike applied to tantalum electrolytic capacitors with solid manganese dioxide electrolyte can cause some tantalum capacitors to fail and may directly lead to a short.
• Are all tantalum capacitors polarized? Tantalum capacitors are inherently polarized components. Reverse voltage can destroy the capacitor. Non-polar or bipolar tantalum capacitors are made by effectively connecting two polarized capacitors in series, with the anodes oriented in opposite directions.
• Can I replace a tantalum capacitor with an electrolytic? A tantalum capacitor is also a type of electrolytic capacitor, however, due to low leakage, they are more accurate and reliable than the cylindrical electrolytic capacitor variants. If the leakage factor is not too critical then you can easily replace a tantalum capacitor with the other regular electrolytic capacitor.
• What is a wet tantalum capacitor? Wet tantalum capacitors are passive devices that provide capacitive reactance to circuits. They are electrolytic capacitors with a wet electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. They are used over other capacitor types due to superior characteristics including volumetric efficiency, high reliability, electrical stability over a wide temperature range and long service life.