Radial tantalum capacitors

Radial tantalum capacitors are used in numerous electronic applications where high capacitance density, low leakage currents and high reliability are required. They are particularly common in telecommunications, e.g. in mobile phone stations, routers or network devices, where they ensure a stable power supply.

In industrial electronics, they are used in switching power supplies, control units and measuring devices, as they guarantee constant power even under changing operating conditions. The automotive industry uses them in electronic control units, airbag modules and infotainment systems, as they work reliably even at extreme temperatures.

Another important field of application is medical technology, where they are used in imaging processes, portable monitoring devices and implantable medical devices. Thanks to their high reliability and longevity, radial tantalum capacitors are essential components in critical systems where stable and safe electrical performance is required.

Radial tantalum capacitors offer several advantages over other types of capacitors such as aluminum electrolytic or ceramic capacitors. Their most important advantage is their high capacitance density, which enables a compact design. Compared to aluminum capacitors, they offer a lower leakage current rate, which means higher energy efficiency and a longer service life.

They are also characterized by a very low impedance (low ESR), which makes them ideal for applications that require a fast response time to voltage changes. Unlike ceramic capacitors, they are also not susceptible to microphonic effects that can lead to signal interference. Another advantage is their excellent temperature stability, which means they work reliably even under extreme conditions. These properties make them the ideal choice for sensitive electronic applications where precision and reliability are crucial.

The production of radial tantalum capacitors begins with the processing of high-purity tantalum ore, which is processed into powder and then sintered to form a porous, solid anode. A thin oxide layer is then electrochemically produced on the surface, which serves as a dielectric.

The cathode made of manganese dioxide or conductive polymer is then applied. This process ensures a very high capacitance density with minimal space requirements.

The component is then coated with an epoxy resin coating to protect it against environmental influences such as moisture or mechanical stress. The two connecting wires are routed radially out of the housing, which enables stable mounting on printed circuit boards. After several quality tests, including voltage and temperature tests, the finished capacitors are ready for use in a wide range of high-tech applications.

Radial tantalum capacitors have a particularly long service life as they are made of high-quality tantalum material, which is extremely resistant to corrosion. The electrochemical oxide layer, which serves as a dielectric, is extremely stable and ensures a low leakage current rate over many years. Unlike aluminum electrolytic capacitors, they do not contain liquid electrolytes that can dry out or leak over time.

This makes them particularly resistant to environmental influences such as temperature changes, vibrations or moisture. Modern production processes and quality controls, such as those used at Hongda Capacitors, ensure consistently high component quality. In many applications, radial tantalum capacitors achieve a service life of ten years or more, making them a reliable solution for long-lasting electronic systems, e.g. in automotive or medical technology.

The selection of a suitable radial tantalum capacitor depends on several factors. First of all, the capacitance must be determined, which is specified in microfarads (µF). This should meet the requirements of the circuit in question. Equally important is the rated voltage, which is specified in volts (V). It should always be selected slightly higher than the actual operating voltage in order to leave a margin of safety.

Another decisive factor is the ESR value (Equivalent Series Resistance), which is particularly important in high-frequency and power supply circuits. The lower the ESR, the more efficiently the capacitor works.

It should also be checked whether the component is RoHS and REACH compliant if environmental standards must be adhered to. As a distributor of Hongda Capacitors, Rotima AG is happy to advise on the selection and offers a wide range of high-quality radial tantalum capacitors for a wide variety of applications.