Basic introduction of wet slug tantalum capacitors

2024-07-27

Tantalum electrolytic capacitors, due to their high capacitance, good stability, long lifespan etc features, are widely used in electronic applications, there are two types of tantalum technologies: solid and wet tantalum capacitors. Compared to solid tantalum technologies e.g. (MnO2 or polymer electrolyte), wet tantalum capacitors exhibit a higher surge current capability with a higher breakdown voltage (BDV) close to their dielectric formation voltage. HONGDA Capacitors, is the leading tantalum capacitors in China, producing a large variety of tantalum capacitor types for industrial, military and aerospace electronic applications. Today we will focus on discuss wet slug tantalum capacitors, there are 3 main topics: what is wet slug tantalum capacitors, what makes them outstanding, and who are the leading manufacturer of this type capacitors.

What is wet slug tantalum capacitors?

Wet slug tantalum capacitors are a specialized type of capacitor that utilizes a porous tantalum slug as the anode, immersed in an electrolyte solution. It is hermetically-sealed, axial-leaded, and with higher capacitance and voltage capability than solid tantalum capacitors.

What features make wet slug tantalum capacitors outstanding?

High capacitance: The main feature of modern non-solid (wet) tantalum electrolytic capacitors is their energy density compared with that of solid tantalum and wet aluminum electrolytic capacitors within the same temperature range. They offer high capacitance values, typically ranging from a few micro farads (µF) to thousands of µF, making them suitable for energy storage and filtering applications.

Good self-healing effect: All tantalum capacitors have a self-healing effect. This is the capacitor’s ability to inherently re-grow any thinning or defective areas of the dielectric that could potentially cause resistive or hard shorts between the anode and cathode. This is why the time before failure rates for tantalum capacitors are typically calculated in the tens or hundreds of millions of hours. This self-healing effect is especially pronounced for the wet tantalum capacitor because the dielectric is in constant contact with a chemical similar to the one used to form the dielectric to begin with. As current flows through the device and heat is generated, the chemical reaction will improve the dielectric thickness and make the part more reliable over time.

Low ESR: The original wet tantalum capacitors developed in the 1930s were axial capacitors, having a wound cell consisting of a tantalum anode and foil cathode separated by a paper stripe soaked with an electrolyte, mounted in a silver case and non-hermetic elastomer sealed. Because of the inertness and stability of the tantalum dielectric oxide layer against strong acids, the wet tantalum capacitors could use sulfuric acid as an electrolyte, thus providing them with a relatively low ESR. Wet slug tantalum capacitors exhibit low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), which translates into improved efficiency and reduced heat generation.

What applications they are suitable for?

The unique features of wet slug tantalum capacitors have led to their widespread use in high reliability environments, such as in the aviation, military, and space (AMS) markets, as well as for oil and gas exploration. They are the best choice in these markets because they offer a combination of energy density, high reliability, and long life that other capacitor technologies can't match. For example, types with military approvals can provide the extended capacitance and voltage ratings, along with the high quality levels required for avionics, military, and space applications.

Wet slug tantalum capacitors are also utilized in industrial equipment like power tools, welding machines, and robotics, ensuring reliable performance under demanding conditions.

And also in Automotive: They play a vital role in automotive electronics, including power supplies, infotainment systems, and safety systems.

HONGDA Capacitors’ CA86 wet tantalum capacitors

Besides Kemet, Vishay, AVX, HONGDA Capacitors, https://www.hongdacapacitors.com/about.html, with 20+ years experience, is specializing in producing wet tantalum capacitors.

We got patents of high energy tantalum capacitors and polymer tantalum capacitors,the leading tantalum capacitors manufacturer in China.

Our CA86 series, the high frequency military wet tantalum capacitors.

Features with:

1. Silver shell package, air-sealing, cylindrical shape, axial lead, outer insulating sleeve, polar capacitor.
2. Excellent and stable electrical properties, high reliability
3. High-frequency products, low equivalent series resistance, large ripple current resistance, small size

Suitable for high-frequency circuits of military electronic equipment with reliability requirements in aerospace, aviation, weapons, electronics, ships, communications and other fields.

Capacitance, from 4.7uF 6.8uF, up to 680uF, various capacitance and cases(A, B, C, D, E) available. Below sizes dimension for your reference.

For more details, pls contact sandy@hongdacap.com.hk, for data sheet and best offer.