Tantalum capacitors are a subtype of electrolytic capacitors. They are made of tantalum metal which acts as an anode, covered by a layer of oxide which acts as the dielectric, surrounded by a conductive cathode. The use of tantalum allows for a very thin dielectric layer. This results in a higher capacitance value per volume, superior frequency characteristics compared to many other types of capacitors. They have an extremely high stability and will maintain capacitance better over a wide temperature and frequency range.
Tantalum capacitors are generally polarized, which means that they may only be connected to a DC supply. observing the correct terminal polarity. The downside to using tantalum capacitors is their unfavorable failure mode which may lead to thermal runaway, fires and small explosions, but this can be prevented through the use of external failsafe devices such as current limiters or thermal fuses.
USES: laptops, automotive industry, medical industry, telecommunications, aerospace, military, cell phones, and more, most often in the form of surface mounted devices. The tantalum capacitor is in demand for cardio implants and to automatically sense the irregular heartbeats and give an electric countershock in a few seconds.
APPLICATIONS:
- Laptops
- Automotive industry
- Medical industry
- Telecommunications
- Aerospace
- Military
- Cell phones
- The tantalum capacitor is in demand for cardio implants and to automatically sense the irregular heartbeats and give an electric countershock in a few seconds.