What are the characteristics of SMD Tantalum Capacitors

2024-12-22

In robotics applications, SMD Tantalum Capacitors are often used for power supply decoupling, filtering, and energy storage due to their higher capacitance density, stable electrical characteristics, and reliability under varying conditions. The specific types of SMD Tantalum capacitors most commonly used in robotics are typically chosen for their performance in handling high ripple currents and stable capacitance across a wide range of temperatures and voltages.

Let’s see what’s the key features of Robotics.

Low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): Tantalum capacitors generally have a lower ESR compared to other types like aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which is important for handling high-frequency noise and stable operation in sensitive electronic circuits.

Stable Capacitance: Tantalum capacitors maintain their capacitance values more reliably over time compared to ceramic types, especially when subjected to high current or thermal stress, which is important for robotic applications that may involve continuous operation.

Ruggedness and Reliability: Tantalum capacitors are preferred in robotics because they can handle more abuse in terms of shock and vibration, which is especially critical in mobile robots or drones.

Example Circuit Use-Cases in Robotics:

Power Supply Filtering: Tantalum capacitors are often used in the power supply of the robot to filter out noise and smooth the power rails coming from the battery or DC power converter.

Decoupling at ICs: Placing capacitors near power pins of microcontrollers, motor drivers, or other integrated circuits ensures stable voltage and prevents voltage dips during high current draw.

Energy Storage: In some robotics systems, Tantalum capacitors are used for storing energy and providing bursts of power during high-demand operations, such as when a motor suddenly accelerates.

Here are the most commonly used SMD Tantalum capacitors in robotics:

1. Case Size:

Standard Case Size: EIA-3216 (3.2mm x 1.6mm) and EIA-3528 (3.5mm x 2.8mm) are the most commonly used sizes in robotics for SMD Tantalum capacitors. They are compact enough for most embedded robotic systems but large enough to handle the power requirements.

Smaller Case Sizes: EIA-2012 (2.0mm x 1.25mm) can be used in compact designs, especially for mobile robots where size and weight are critical.

2. Capacitance Values:

Capacitors typically used in robotics range from 10µF to 100µF, with 47µF or 22µF being very common values in power supply and voltage regulation circuits.

For specific high-current or energy storage needs, capacitors in the range of 100µF to 470µF can be found, especially when smoothing DC voltages or handling load spikes.

3. Voltage Ratings:

6.3V, 10V, 16V, and 25V are the most common voltage ratings used in robotics, depending on the voltage of the motor drivers, microcontrollers, and other electronics.

10V or 16V capacitors are often used in systems running on typical 5V or 12V supplies, with a margin of safety for voltage spikes.

4. Capacitor Types:

Solid Tantalum Capacitors: These are the most common in robotics because they provide better performance than conventional wet tantalum capacitors, particularly in higher-temperature environments or with higher ripple currents.

Typical Examples:

Kemet T491 Series (e.g., T491D476K010Z): A common series used in robotics, providing stable performance for filtering and decoupling.

AVX TPS Series (e.g., TPSV107M010R0500): Known for reliability in both consumer electronics and robotics applications.

Vishay 293D Series: Another widely used series for general decoupling and filtering in embedded systems.

Hongda Capacitors CA45 series can perfectly replace above Tier 1 brands.

Here is our cross table for reference.

 These are the pin to pin cross of the AVX, Kemet, Vishay Series.

Hongda Capacitors' market position is to replace tier 1 brand with similar quality, but 1/3 price and 1/2 lead time. Hongda Capacitors is one of the biggest manufacturer for tantalum capacitors in China, can replace AVX, Vishay, Kemet.

This is factory video to help you know better: https://www.hongdacap.com.hk/video/

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