SuperCapacitors: A Reliable Backup Power Solution Written By: Johnson Jiang Abstract: Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) are electrochemical capacitors called “SuperCapacitors,” or supercaps, due to their high energy density. Compared to traditional electrolytic capacitors, SuperCapacitors store electrical energy about two to three orders of magnitude higher and achieve several hundred thousand to millions of charge-discharge cycles. This advantage comes from the special construction of SuperCapacitors.
Technical Articles / Whitepapers
Electrostatic Protection Using Ceramic Capacitors Written By: Oliver Zimmermann | John McCarry Abstract: Any conductive interface between an electrical circuit and the outside world introduces the possibility of damage through electrostatic discharge (ESD). Accumulated static charge on a person, a cable, or any similar surface can readily dissipate its stored potential energy upon contact into sensitive components resulting in highly destructive currents. Ideally, varistors and TVS diodes only activate to protect the circuit when a high voltage is present and impart no parasitic effects during normal operation. For high-speed data lines, in particular, it is critical that the protection device introduce as little capacitance as possible (Electronic Design). TVS diodes and varistors are therefore specified not only by their voltage
High-Performance Battery Contacts for Mobile Electronics Written By: Ajay Saini Abstract: KYOCERA AVX offers the broadest standard battery connector line available on the market today. These robust connectors, available in horizontal and vertical options, are suited for battery pack integration and general board-to-board connection.
Tantalum Capacitors in 5G Smartphone Applications Written By: Jason Liu Abstract: The global smartphone market has grown enormously over the past decade. In 2019, about 1.32 billion smartphones were shipped globally, of which 367 million units were shipped in China alone, accounting for 27.8% of the global total. With the ongoing investment into the construction of 5G networks, especially in China, 5G-enabled smartphones are set to become ubiquitous in the near future. 5G phones are projected to grow by 10% starting in 2020 compared to the previous year. Under favorable economic and regulatory conditions, there will be ample opportunities for both leading and emerging manufacturers to capture more market share. Additionally, there are several design houses for smartphones that design
Key Parameters for Designing Ceramic Capacitors in SMPS Circuits Written By: Kevin Cho Abstract: Capacitors are ubiquitous and indispensable components of electronic circuits used for a plethora of uses. For engineers looking to design multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) in switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) such as Buck and Boost converters, some essential parameters to be considered include the ripple current capability, ripple voltage, and power dissipation. Using the KYOCERA AVX SpiCalci10 model simulation tool for SMPS capacitors, this whitepaper will outline various MLCC characteristics, AC current capability, and other considerations for circuit design.
Advantages of Varistors and Their Applications in the Automotive Field Written By: George Zhang Abstract: Multilayer chip varistors (MLVs) are resistive elements comprising zinc oxide (Zn0) as the main component. In recent decades, they are being used for protection against surge voltage, noise, and transient voltages. Unlike conventional varistors, the maximum peak current and non-linear coefficients are large, and the resistance is very high below a threshold voltage, hardly allowing current to flow. However, when the voltage exceeds the threshold, the resistance drops abruptly and allows a large current to flow. Such properties make MLVs ideal as protective elements in a host of electrical and electronic applications, including automobiles
Vertical Wire-To-Board Solutions for Solid State Lighting and Industrial Applications Written By: Raul Saucedo | Jon Schifferdecker Abstract: Solid-state lighting (SSL) and industrial applications often must overcome more stringent constraints on environmental tolerance and physical form factor. Primarily, thermal issues of heat dissipation and high-temperature reliability. One popular solution to address these issues is the use of metal core circuit boards.
Aluminum Capacitors for LED Lighting Written By: Raul Wang Abstract: While relatively expensive, LED lighting is more reliable, more configurable, and uses significantly less electrical power for the same luminous output when compared to its incandescent, fluorescent, and halogen counterparts.
IDC Shark Fin Connectors for RF Communications Written By: Alex Guan Abstract: Shark fin antenna units offer an attractive, aerodynamic, and functional way to provide the necessary antennas to the vehicle systems. RF antenna systems use coaxial cables, and the most common method to connect those cables to the printed circuit board assembly in the shark fin antenna is manual soldering.
SuperCapacitors in Enterprise Servers and Smart Meters Written By: Jacky Cui | John Lee Abstract: The supercapacitor is one alternative to the traditional electrochemical battery for storing energy. In the age of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, supercapacitors offer many attractive properties that no other device can deliver. At a high level, supercapacitors are composed of electrodes, an electrolyte, and an ion-permeable separator.