Automotive-grade polymer chip capacitors operate up to 150°C

AVX Corp. has launched its new TCO Series high-temperature, automotive-grade polymer chip capacitors, rated for operating temperatures up to 150°C at category voltage. They also boast low leakage current (DCL) and a benign failure mode. Target applications include high-temperature, low- and medium-power automotive, industrial, and telecommunications applications.

These polymer capacitors meet AEC-Q200 Stress Test Qualification for Passive Components requirements, which ensure stable performance at 85°C, 85% relative humidity, and rated voltage for up to 1,000 hours.

Based on AVX’s TCQ Series automotive polymer capacitors, the capacitors feature J-lead construction comprised of tantalum anodes, tantalum pentoxide (Ta₂O₅) dielectrics, and conductive polymer electrodes that exhibit a benign failure mode under recommended use conditions, said the company.

The series exhibits low DCL at 0.1 CV and basic reliability of 1% per 1,000 hours at 85°C and rated voltage with 0.1 Ω/V series impedance and 60% confidence, said AVX.

The TCO Series is currently available in a D-case (EIA Metric 7343-31) package and is rated MSL 3 per J-STD-020. Key specifications include a capacitance of 10 µF ±20% tolerance and a rated voltage of 50 VDC at 105°C, with a maximum of 50 µA DCL and 150 mΩ maximum equivalent series resistance (ESR) at 100 kHz. The operating temperature ranges from -55°C to 150°C.

The capacitors are RoHS compliant, lead-free compatible, and capable of withstanding three reflow cycles at 260°C. These devices are suited for automotive cabin control, infotainment, and comfort systems; body electronics that manage safety, power management, and diagnostic systems; and aftermarket electronics such as dash cams, radar detectors, navigation systems, subwoofers, amplifiers, and headrest monitors as well as DC/DC converters and coupling/decoupling circuits in industrial and telecommunications equipment.

The TCO Series capacitors are shipped on seven- or 13-inch pure tin reels for automated assembly. Lead time is currently 20 weeks.