AVX’s Low-ESR Tantalum Chip Capacitor Series Receives Full European Space Agency QPL Qualification Approval

AVX Corporation, a leading manufacturer of passive components and interconnect solutions, announces that its high-reliability TES Series low-ESR tantalum chip capacitors have received full European Space Agency (ESA) QPL (qualified part list) qualification approval in accordance with the European Space Components Coordination (ESCC) specification ESCC3012/004. Rated for 1 to 470 µF and 6.3 to 50 V, TES Series tantalum SMD chip capacitors offer higher capacitance and lower ESR values than any existing ESCC-qualified tantalum devices designed for use in aerospace applications. Available in five miniature sizes spanning 3216-18 to 7343-43 and in single and multianode cases, the series also provides design engineers with several downsizing options, enabling significant reductions in both payload and physical space, which are extremely beneficial in aerospace applications.

“TES Series tantalum capacitors, which were previously qualified to the ESA’s European Preferred Parts List (EPPL2), provide the lowest ESR and highest CV values of any existing QPL-qualified space component, as well as feature a high-reliability design without compromise,” said Tomas Zednicek, technical marketing manager at AVX.

Single-anode TES Series tantalum capacitors are available in sizes 3216-18 (A), 3528-21 (B), and 6032-28 (C); vertical multianode TES Series parts are available in 7343-31 (D); and mirror multianode TES Series parts, which fully halve ESR values, are available in 7343-43 (E). The series is also available in two tolerances, ±10% and ±20%; with three screening levels: B (x-ray), C, and non-ER for non-flight parts; and with three ESCC lot acceptance testing (LAT) levels.

Produced in AVX’s ESA-qualified manufacturing plant in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, TES Series tantalum SMD chip capacitors feature SnPb terminations and are supplied in bulk or on 4- or 7-in. tape and reel upon request. Lead time for the series is 24 to 36 weeks depending upon LAT level requirements.

To access the TES Series low-ESR tantalum chip capacitor datasheet, visit http://avx.com/docs/Catalogs/tes.pdf. For more information, visit www.avx.com, call 864-967-2150, or write to One AVX Boulevard, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.