Technical Articles / Whitepapers

Cracks: The Hidden Defect

On December 31, 2013   /   Ceramic Capacitors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Cracks: The Hidden Defect

Cracks: The Hidden Defect Written By: John Maxwell Abstract: Cracks in ceramic chip capacitors can be introduced at any process step during surface mount assembly. Thermal shock has become a “pat” answer for all of these cracks, but about 75 to 80% originate from other sources. These sources include pick and place machine centering jaws, vacuum pick up bit, board depanelization, unwarping boards after soldering, test fixtures, connector insulation, final assembly, as well as defective components. Each source has a unique signature in the type of crack that it develops so that each can be identified as the source of error.

Back to Top

Equivalent Series Resistance of Tantalum Capacitors

On December 31, 2013   /   News / Events / Press, Resources, Tantalum / Niobium / Polymer, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Equivalent Series Resistance of Tantalum Capacitors

Equivalent Series Resistance of Tantalum Capacitors Written By: R.W. Franklin Abstract: The resistive losses which occur with all practical forms of capacitor are made up from several different mechanisms, including resistance in components and contacts, viscous forces within the dielectric and defects producing bypassing current paths. To express the effect of these various factors on the behavior of an electrolytic capacitor they are lumped together as one term, the equivalent series resistance (ESR).

Back to Top

Conduction and Failure Mechanisms in Barium Titanate Based Ceramics Under Highly Accelerated Conditions

On December 31, 2013   /   Ceramic Capacitors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Conduction and Failure Mechanisms in Barium Titanate Based Ceramics Under Highly Accelerated Conditions

Conduction and Failure Mechanisms in Barium Titanate Based Ceramics Under Highly Accelerated Conditions Written By: B. S. Rawal and N. H. Chan Abstract: Various mid-K and high-K barium titanate based laboratory compositions were studied to understand the conduction and failure mechanisms in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCs). These studies were utilized to establish the failure modes, the cause of failures, and determine the voltage and temperature acceleration factors. Current voltage plots were evaluated to study the endurance of the various ceramics under stress. These observations were employed to develop test conditions to screen commercial parts with one to two orders of magnitude lower failure rates and study production processes and types of ceramic materials to further improve the reliability of MLCs

Back to Top

Surface Mount Ceramic Resonators

On December 31, 2013   /   News / Events / Press, Resonators, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Surface Mount Ceramic Resonators

Surface Mount Ceramic Resonators Written By: Phil Elliott Abstract: Ceramic resonators provide an attractive alternative to quartz crystals for oscillation frequency stabilization in many applications. Their low cost, mechanical ruggedness and small size often outweigh the reduced precision to which frequencies can be controlled, when compared to quartz devices. Ceramic resonators are now available in surface mountable packages suitable for automated production processes.

Back to Top

Comparison of Multilayer Ceramic and Tantalum Capacitors

On December 31, 2013   /   Ceramic Capacitors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Comparison of Multilayer Ceramic and Tantalum Capacitors

Comparison of Multilayer Ceramic and Tantalum Capacitors Written By: Jeffrey Cain, Ph.D. Abstract: Engineers now have a choice between ceramic and tantalum when it comes to selecting capacitors with values between 0.1 – 22µF. As the ceramic material technology continues to advance, more and more capacitance is realized in the same case sizes compared to previous years. This paper will examine what devices are available and the trade off of using each of the technologies. The goal of this work is to help in selecting the proper device (tantalum versus ceramic) for a specific application.

Back to Top

Capacitor Array — An Integrated Passive Component Offering Benefits to the Automotive Sector

On December 31, 2013   /   Ceramic Capacitors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Capacitor Array — An Integrated Passive Component Offering Benefits to the Automotive Sector

Capacitor Array — An Integrated Passive Component Offering Benefits to the Automotive Sector Written By: Mark Stewart Abstract: By combining discrete capacitors into a multi-element package, AEC-Q qualified capacitor arrays offer automotive designers the opportunity to lower placement costs, increase assembly line output through lower component count per board and reduce real estate requirements.

Back to Top

The 3 Rs of IDCs: Reliability, Repeatability, Reparability

On December 31, 2013   /   Connectors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
The 3 Rs of IDCs: Reliability, Repeatability, Reparability

The 3 Rs of IDCs: Reliability, Repeatability, Reparability Written By: Tom Anderson Abstract: Even after more than 50 years in the marketplace, insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) continue to prove themselves in new and demanding applications, such as automotive safety systems, solid-state lighting (SSL), and industrial sensors and controls. IDCs have provided a cost-effective and reliable alternative to crimp-to-wire and hard-soldering wires to a PCB.

Back to Top

Wireless Charging

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, RF Microwave / Thin Film, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Wireless Charging

Wireless Charging Written By: Ron Demcko Abstract: Yesterday’s dream of distributing power wirelessly is becoming a reality based upon exceptional efforts of industry regulatory agencies, component manufacturers, and design engineers with long-term vision. The use of wireless charging is expected to increase dramatically as consumers are freed from carrying bulky cables that have extra weight and the potential to wear out the mechanisms associated with them. Implementation of wireless charging schemes are easier than ever thanks to a wide availability of dedicated chip sets. Within the topic of wireless charging – there are several different power levels, architectures, and design approaches associated with wireless power transfer. This paper will serve as a starting point and describe the families of capacitors

Back to Top

Optimizing Antenna Performance Through the Use of High Q, Tight Tolerance Capacitors

On December 31, 2013   /   News / Events / Press, Resources, RF Microwave / Thin Film, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Optimizing Antenna Performance Through the Use of High Q, Tight Tolerance Capacitors

Optimizing Antenna Performance Through the Use of High Q, Tight Tolerance Capacitors Written By: Ron Demcko Abstract: Antenna matching is an important aspect of any RF system. Thinking in traditional terms, a properly designed and matched antenna increases the operating distance of the wireless product. Well matched antennas can transmit more power from the radio – therefore transmit over longer distances. Likewise, a well matched antenna allows the maximum transfer of energy from the receiving antenna to the receiver front end. Thus, allowing better receive characteristics for the system. But the use of a capacitor can also have a big impact upon the physical size of an antenna. If the goal is a compact, integrated antenna, the use of a

Back to Top
Back to Top

Temperature Stability Assessment of GaN Power Amplifiers with Matching Tantalum Capacitors

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, Tantalum / Niobium / Polymer, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Temperature Stability Assessment of GaN Power Amplifiers with Matching Tantalum Capacitors

Temperature Stability Assessment of GaN Power Amplifiers with Matching Tantalum Capacitors Written By: T.Zednicek | R.Demcko | M.Weaver | D.West | T. Blecha | F.Steiner | J.Svarny | R.Linhart Abstract: Wide band gap GaN and SiC devices are expected to experience high levels of growth in applications ranging from power conversion to RF transistors and MMICs. End users recognize the advantages of GaN technology as an ability to operate under higher currents and voltages. RF GaN market is expected to grow at 22.9 % CAGR over 2017-2023, boosted by implementation of 5G networks. [1] During the past years, the wide band semiconductors have reported achievement of >1000 V BDV that opens new challenges for high power industrial applications such as

Back to Top

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Holder For Ruggedized Automotive Applications

On December 31, 2013   /   Connectors, News / Events / Press, Resources, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Holder For Ruggedized Automotive Applications

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Holder For Ruggedized Automotive Applications Written By: Tom Anderson Abstract: Harsh environments such as automotive and industrial applications can be very demanding on larger electronic components, which are exposed to severe shock and vibration requirements. In order to protect these components, extra attention and most often times cost needs to be devoted to the processing and mechanical attachment within the device to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

Back to Top

Solid Tantalum Capacitors: MnO2 vs. Polymer Cathodes for Optimal Performance in High-Reliability Military and Space Applications

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, Tantalum / Niobium / Polymer, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Solid Tantalum Capacitors: MnO2 vs. Polymer Cathodes for Optimal Performance in High-Reliability Military and Space Applications

Solid Tantalum Capacitors: MnO2 vs. Polymer Cathodes for Optimal Performance in High-Reliability Military and Space Applications Written By: Ron Demcko Abstract: Solid tantalum capacitors have a long history of proven performance in high-reliability military and space applications. But not all capacitors are created equal — even within the same class. As is the case with virtually all component technologies, materials matter. This paper will discuss the differences in performance and reliability between solid tantalum capacitors with manganese dioxide (MnO2) cathodes and those with conductive polymer cathodes. Bell Laboratories introduced the first solid tantalum capacitors to market in the early 1950s. The first military specification for surface-mount tantalum capacitors (MIL-PRF-55365) was released in 1989 and introduced CWR09-style components. Since then, the

Back to Top

Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Long-Term Reliability Test Data (Part 2)

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, SuperCapacitors, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Long-Term Reliability Test Data (Part 2)

Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Long-Term Reliability Test Data (Part 2) Written By: Eric DeRose | Bob Knopsnyder | Bharat Rawal Abstract: Extensive testing of electronic components is required for an understanding of their device physics, their degradation behavior and their failure mechanisms for establishing their longterm reliability. Gaining a better understanding of part characteristics results in the utilization of the right part which can be recommended to customers depending on the application’s operating conditions such as voltage, temperature and relative humidity. Samples of all products produced are evaluated and tested for up to 4,000 hours to establish reliability test data. As we strive to be an industry leader in reliability of our supercapacitors or electric double-layer capacitors, we do our due

Back to Top

Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Unique Performance at 85°C & Self-Balancing (Part 1)

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, SuperCapacitors, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Unique Performance at 85°C & Self-Balancing (Part 1)

Reliability of SuperCapacitors: Unique Performance at 85°C & Self-Balancing (Part 1) Written By: Eric DeRose | Bob Knopsnyder | Bharat Rawal Abstract: Increasing use of supercapacitors on printed circuit boards (PCBs) is requiring a further understanding of the reliability of these components. As the use of these types of devices increases, the emphasis on reliability will become critical as sub-ppm failure rates are critical for minimizing and, in fact, eliminating rework of the PCBs in these applications. A broader understanding of the reliability of these devices will assist in reaching this goal. In this first of many publications, a study of our supercapacitor modules tested at 85°C at various applied voltages, at or below the rated voltage, will demonstrate the

Back to Top

RF Passive Components Made Using Multi-Layer Organic Technology

On December 31, 2013   /   Resources, RF Microwave / Thin Film, Technical Articles / Whitepapers  
RF Passive Components Made Using Multi-Layer Organic Technology

RF Passive Components Made Using Multi-Layer Organic Technology Written By: Ron Demcko Abstract: RF circuitry might be based upon the use of discrete components, low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC), hybrid component technology, a combination of all these or more design methods/techniques – depending upon the frequency spectrum, circuit type and power of the circuit. A new family of RF components based upon laminating multiple layers of organic materials is emerging. These Multi-Layer Organic devices (MLO) offer significant electrical, physical and reliability advantages over traditional discrete RF or LTCC solutions. This paper outlines the basics of MLO devices. A discussion of the families of product offering and discusses performance advantages of MLO technology is provided.

Back to Top