What is a tantalum capacitor?

Tantalum capacitor is an electrolytic capacitor, where porous tantalum metal is the anode, and its Titanium oxide layer acts as dielectric, with a conductive electrolyte cathode (either liquid or solid) surrounding it.

Which electrolytic capacitor is better aluminum or tantalum?

Tantalum electrolytic capacitors have also less leakage and higher frequency response than aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Therefore, tantalum electrolytic capacitors are preferred in various electronic applications where small size and higher-frequency operation is required.

What temperature can a tantalum electrolytic capacitor be used in?

Tantalum capacitors (like aluminum electrolytic capacitors) thrive in the military temperature range of -55° C to 125° C. This opens commercial applications (0 to 70° C), industrial uses (-40° C to 85° C) and automotive products (-40° C to 105° C). Construction of a surface mount tantalum electrolytic capacitor. (Image: Rohm Semiconductor.)

Can tantalum capacitors be recharged?

In most applications, the capacitors are easily recharged to replenish the charge lost to leakage, and is of no concern. Wet tantalum capacitors: These can work at high voltages, from 100V to 630 V, with low ESR and lowest leakage current among electrolytic capacitors.

What are the advantages of solid leaded tantalum capacitors?

They have self-healing properties, allowing thinner dielectric oxide layer, and high capacitance per unit volume. Solid leaded tantalum capacitors: They have higher capacitance density than wet aluminium electrolytic capacitors or solid tantalum type. Higher electron conductivity makes them sensitive to voltage spikes or surge currents.

Why do tantalum electrolytic capacitors fail?

In solid tantalum electrolytic capacitors the heat generated by the ripple current influences the reliability of the capacitors. Exceeding the limit tends to result in catastrophic failures with shorts and burning components.