User:Elcap/Tantalum capacitor
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A tantalum electrolytic capacitor, a member of the family of electrolytic capacitors, is a polarized capacitor whose anode electrode (+) is made of tantalum on which an very thin insulating oxide layer originates by anodically oxidation (forming), which acts as the dielectric of the electrolytic capacitor. A solid or non-solid electrolyte which covers the surface of the oxide layer serves as the second electrode (cathode) (-) of the capacitor. Because of its very thin dielectric layer accompanied with it relatively high permittivity the tantalum capacitors distinguishes itself from other conventional and electrolytic capacitors in having high capacitance per volume (high volumetric efficiency) and weight.
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Most of all tantalum capacitors are available as SMD chip capacitors with a solid manganese dioxide or a solid polymer electrolyte. The solid electrolyte ensures low ESR values, and a stable electrical behavior over a broad temperature range. The high specific capacitance of tantalum capacitors makes them particularly suitable for passing or bypassing low-frequency signals up to some mega-hertz and storing large amounts of energy to support the power lines of highly integrated circuits. Especially the SMD version (Ta-chip) with its small size and weight advantages make tantalum capacitors attractive for devices with flat design like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and PDAs, and compact devices e.g. for automotive electronics. However, due to the expensive tantalum ore tantalum electrolytic capacitors are considerably more expensive than comparable used and a little bit larger aluminum electrolytic capacitors.
Special “wet” tantalum capacitors with non-solid electrolyte often have military approvals and are used in military or space applications.
Tantalum capacitors are polarized components by the manufacturing principle and may only be operated with DC voltage in correct polarity. Reverse voltage or ripple current higher than specified can destroy the dielectric and thus the capacitor. For safe operation of tantalum capacitors special circuit design rules are specified from the manufacturers.