GENERAL INFORMATION
MANUFACTURING
ANODE AND INSULATOR
Tantalum capacitors have the highest ratio of capacitance per volume.
This is mainly due to the high dielectric constant of its insulator and to its large
surface area.
The basic raw material is a high purity (greater than 99.99%) tantalum powder
with a very fine granulation, compressed to form a cylinder or a parallelepiped
constituting the anode of the capacitor (positive plate).
The pellet is then sintered at high temperature (1500 to 2000°C), under hard
vacuum (10
-6
torr), firstly to purify the powder and secondly to obtain a strong
mechanical structure by welding of the particles.
The insulating part is obtained by anodization to a depth of the tantalum surface
which forms a tantalum pentoxide film (Ta
2
O
5
) with a thickness of about 16
angstroms per anodization volt. The dielectric constant is between 21 and 27,
depending upon the anodization conditions.
TYPE IDENTIFICATION – ORDERING INFORMATION
THE COMPLETE IDENTIFICATION OF A PRODUCT IS MADE UP OF:
• Type (or model)
• Tolerance
• Testing parameters (standard cata-
log part vs. tested in accordance
with MIL-SPEC standards)
• Rated capacitance
• Rated voltage
• Case size
• RoHS or non-RoHS
• For solid tantalum capacitors
specify tape or bulk packaging
THE TYPE
It identifies the basic capacitor (DCTSXX).
Example: DCTS1
THE RATED CAPACITANCE
Expressed in picofarads, the first two digits are significant figures; the third is the
number of zeros following:
Example: 102 = 10 x 10
2
pF = 0.001 µF
103 = 10 x 10
3
pF = 0.01 µF
334 = 33 x 10
4
pF = 0.33 µF
THE TOLERANCE
It can be expressed directly in % or identified by a code letter:
X0 = ±20% X9 = ±10% X5 = ±5%
Note:
The standard tolerance for tantalum capacitors is ±20%; if no tolerance
is given, it is considered as 20%. A 20% tolerance means in fact -20%
to +20% of the nominal value.
THE RATED VOLTAGE
It is expressed directly in volts (V), with three significant figures.
Example: 006 = 6 V DC; 050 = 50 V DC; 100 = 100 V DC
The case size:
It is indicated on the technical data sheets following the voltage
value and is generally identified by a letter code. It is important to give this
information because there can be, for the same type, a standard range and an
extended range in which the same value will be available in two different sizes.
THE TESTING PARAMETERS
C indicates a standard catalog part and S indicates tested in accordance with
MIL-SPEC standards.
ORDERING INFORMATION EXAMPLE
Part Number = DCTS1105X9040AC
Type: DCTS1
Capacitance = 1 µF
Tolerance = +/-10%
Voltage = 40 V DC
Case Size = A
C indicates standard catalog part
F indicates RoHS part
T indicates non-RoHS part
S indicates screened according to MIL
SOLID ELECTROLYTE: CATHODE AND ENCAPSULATION
The cathode is formed by manganese dioxide which is a grey semi-conductor.
It is obtained by dipping the pellets into a manganese nitrate water solution
which impregnates the internal structure; this solution is then decomposed in a
high temperature oven to obtain manganese dioxide. This operation is repeated
several times. The nature and quality of this semi-conductor greatly influence
the electrical parameters (especially the series resistance).
To finish the negative plate, a graphite coating and then a silver coating are
deposited on the outside surface of the manganese dioxide.
The positive nickel lead is welded on the tantalum wire and the negative lead
is either soldered with wire leads, or pasted with a silver epoxy for surface
mount models.
WET ELECTROLYTE: CATHODE AND ENCAPSULATION
The cathode (for wet tantalum capacitors) is formed by a sulphuric acid solution.
The anodized tantalum pellet is impregnated with this solution and then placed
in a silver or tantalum case, into which some equivalent gelled solution has been
previously deposited.
The case is then crimped on the internal PTFE bush to create the sealing. The
final steps are either the soldering of a glass metal seal, or the crimping of an
elastomer seal on the top of the case.
BURN-IN - SORTING - INSPECTION
All the products are then submitted to a final burn-in, with differing severities
depending upon the required characteristics of each type (temperature, voltage,
time,etc.).
Sorting, marking and inspection operations follow. These procedures are the
same for approved and non-approved parts (with exception of periodic testing).
5
LOT ACCEPTANCE TEST PER MIL-PRF-39003
SOLID TANTALUM DCTS1, DCTS21, DCTS23, DCTS33
GROUP A ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION
SUBGROUP 1 (100%)
1. Thermal Shock (Ref MIL-STD-202, Method 107, Test Condition B).
2. Surge Current when specified, 25°C ± 5 °C subjected to 3 consecutive cycles.
3. Seal Test, 125°C ± 5 °C Fluorocarbon liquid (Ref MIL-STD-202, Method 112,
Test Condition D).
4. Radiographic Inspection (Ref MIL-STD-202, Method 209).
SUBGROUP 5
(13 SAMPLES)
10. Surge voltage, subjected to 1000 cycles at 85°C with 1.3 times of rated
voltage. Each cycle consists of a 30 s surge voltage followed by a 30 s
discharge period and voltage shall be made thru a 33-ohm resistor.
SUBGROUP 6
(13 SAMPLES)
11. Solderability (Ref MIL-STD-202, Method 208).
SUBGROUP 2
(5 SAMPLES)
5. Mechanical inspection for dimensions.
SUBGROUP 3
(13 SAMPLES)
6. Visual inspection for workmanship. Capacitors shall be processed in such
a manner as to be uniform in quality when using 2X minimum-4X maximum
magnification.
7. Visual inspection for materials such as the case, solder and soldering flux.
8. Visual inspection for marking including part or identifying number, pin,
trademark, CAGE code, date code, lot symbol, capacitance and rated voltage.
SUBGROUP 4
( 13 SAMPLES)
9. Stability at low and high temperature for DC leakage, capacitance,
dissipation factor at each of temperature (+25°C, -55°C, +25°C, +85°C,
+125°C, +25°C). Measurement of leakage current is not required for -55°C.
6
LOT ACCEPTANCE TEST PER MIL-PRF-39006
WET TANTALUM
GROUP A ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION
SUBGROUP 1 (100%)
1. DC BURN-IN 48 hours minimum at 85°C +6°C/-0°C with the rated DC voltage
applied through a resistor with a maximum value of 1100 ohm.
2. Visually examine using 2X-4X lighted magnification for mechanical damage
and leakage of electrolyte after the units have cooled to room temperature.
3. DC Leakage, measured at 25°C. Do not exceed a charge of 5 minutes with
the DC rated voltage applied.
4. Check Capacitance at 120Hz ± 5Hz.
• For capacitors with ≤ 75 V DC, use the DC bias voltage 2.2 V DC,
+0.0 V DC, -1.0 V DC
• For capacitors with >75 V DC, use the DC bias voltage 10.0 V DC,
+0.0 V DC, -1.0 V DC
5. Check Dissipation Factor at a frequency of 120Hz ± 5Hz.
• For capacitors with ≤ 75 V DC, use the DC bias voltage 2.2 V DC,
+0.0 V DC, -1.0 V DC
• For capacitors with >75 V DC, use the DC bias voltage 10.0 V DC,
+0.0 V DC, -1.0 V DC
6. Seal Test, 125°C ± 5°C Fluorocarbon liquid. (Ref MIL-STD-202,
Method 112, Test Condition D).
7. Seal Test, Helium. (Ref MIL-STD-202, Method 112, Test Condition C).
Note:
This test condition only applies to MIL-39006/22 “S” parts.
SUBGROUP 2
(SAMPLE)
MIL-PRF-39006 INSPECTION LOT SAMPLING CRITERIA
LOT SIZE
1 to 13
14 to 150
151 to 280
281 to 500
501 to1200
1201 to 3200
3201 to 10,000
8. Mechanical inspection for dimensions.
SAMPLE SIZE PPM-2
100%
13
20
29
34
42
42
SUBGROUP 3
9. Solderability Test per MIL-STD-202, Method 208, Category 3 (8 hour ±
15 minutes steam aging), Test Condition “A”. Test both lead wires of each
capacitor. Terminals shall be immersed in flux and solder to within 0.050”
of the capacitor body. There shall be no physical damage after test.
SUBGROUP 4
10. Visual inspection for workmanship. Capacitors shall be processed in such
a manner as to be uniform in quality when using 2X minimum-4X maximum
magnification. External leads shall not exhibit cuts, nicks, or scrapes
exceeding 10% of the diameter for round and flat lead wire parts,
except as follows:
•
For Round Leads:
Within 0.050” beyond the weld area of the component,
10% of the surface area of the leads may exhibit bare base metal.
11. Visual inspection for materials such as the case, solder and soldering flux.
12. Visual inspection for marking including part or identifying number, PIN,
trademark, CAGE code, date code, lot symbol, capacitance, and rated voltage.
7
WET TANTALUM CAPACITORS
SEALED SILVER CASES
AXIAL LEADS - POLARIZED TYPES
ELECTRICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
DCT4
Operating temperature
Humidity
Capacitance range
Tolerance
Voltage range
-55°C
+85°C
+125°C
+20°C
+85°C
+125°C
-55°C +125°C
56 days
4.7 µF - 1000 µF
20%...10%
10 V...125 V
MAXIMUM CAPACITANCE CHANGE
see table
see table
see table
MAXIMUM DF
see table
= lim 20°C
= lim 20°C
MAXIMUM IMPEDANCE
-55°C (100Hz)
see table
MAXIMUM LEAKAGE CURRENT
+20°C
+85°C
+125°C
+85°C (100kHz)
+20°C
+85°C
25 min
25 min
DCT4E
-55°C +125°C
56 days
1.7 µF - 2200 µF
20%...10%
6.3 V...150 V
see table
see table
see table
see table
= lim 20°C
= lim 20°C
see table
see table
see table
= lim +85°C
see table
0V
0V
0V
1.15 x U
R
1.15 x U
C
DIMENSIONS WITH INSULATING SLEEVE
(in mm)
Case code
A
B
C
D
L Max.
17
19
23
28
D Max.
5.8
7.4
10.1
10.1
d
+10%
-0.05
see table
see table
= 1.6 x lim +85°C
MAXIMUM RIPPLE CURRENT
see table
MAXIMUM REVERSE VOLTAGE
0V
0V
0V
MAX SURGE VOLTAGE
1.15 x U
R
1.15 x U
C
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
+125°C
+85°C
d
D
L
MARKING, PACKAGING, CONSTRUCTION: see general characteristics
+125°C
WET TANTALUM CAPACITORS
SEALED SILVER CASES
AXIAL LEADS - POLARIZED TYPES
STANDARD RATINGS - ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(EXTENDED RANGE)
DCT4E
Capacitance
100Hz
+20°C (μF)
27
30
68
120
140
200
220
270
290
330
560
560
820
1000
1200
1200
1500
1800
2200
22
25
56
100
120
180
220
260
290
430
430
620
680
850
850
1200
1400
1600
1800
18
20
47
85
100
100
120
140
150
180
220
250
330
390
470
510
560
680
750
750
1000
1200
1200
1300
1500
Case Code
Maximum Leakage Current
Max. Imped.
100Hz
-55°C (%)
+85°C (%)
+125°C (%)
+20°C (μA)
+85°C (μA)
-55°C (Ω)
RATED VOLTAGE (+85°C) 6 V – 6.3 V - CATEGORY VOLTAGE (+125°C) 4 V
-50
+15
+15
9
110
1
2
-40
+12
+12
8
100
1
2
-40
+16
+16
18
59
1
2
-50
+20
+20
18
48
1
3
-40
+16
+16
18
40
1
3
-58
+13
+13
40
25
2
9
-65
+16
+16
40
22
2
9
-44
+20
+20
70
25
1
7
-70
+20
+20
45
24
2
7
-40
+16
+16
43
22
2
8
-80
+20
+20
42
21
3
14
-64
+20
+20
110
25
2
13
-80
+20
+20
68
20
3
14
-80
+25
+25
100
20
3
14
-85
+25
+25
82
20
5
20
-80
+25
+25
60
20
3
12
-85
+20
+25
82
10
5
20
-80
+25
+25
72
16
7
25
-80
+20
+25
80
15
9
30
RATED VOLTAGE (+85°C) 8 V - CATEGORY VOLTAGE (+125°C) 5 V
-50
+15
+15
7
115
1
2
-40
+12
+12
7
100
1
2
-40
+12
+12
15
60
1
2
-50
+20
+20
32
52
1
3
-50
+20
+20
40
48
1
4
-54
+13
+16
36
28
2
9
-44
+20
+20
57
30
1
7
-70
+20
+20
60
37
2
8.5
-70
+20
+20
55
24
2
9.5
-80
+20
+20
42
20
3
14
-64
+20
+20
84
25
2
14
-80
+20
+20
53
17
3
14
-80
+20
+20
55
15
3
14
-80
+25
+25
65
25
4
16
-80
+25
+25
50
22
4
16
-80
+25
+25
82
13
5
20
-85
+20
+25
84
11
5
20
-80
+25
+25
68
18
7
25
-80
+25
+25
70
16
8
28
RATED VOLTAGE (+85°C) 10 V - CATEGORY VOLTAGE (+125°C) 6.3 V
-40
+15
+15
5
130
1
2
-32
+12
+12
5
120
1
2
-36
+16
+16
15
90
1
2
-45
+20
+20
13
61
1
3.5
-50
+16
+16
15
60
1
4
-36
+16
+16
13
60
1
4
-45
+13
+16
32
35
2
9
-50
+16
+16
32
40
2
9
-50
+16
+16
32
40
2
9
-36
+16
+16
46
40
1
7
-60
+20
+20
30
40
2
9
-40
+16
+16
32
35
2
10
-64
+20
+20
75
25
2
16
-64
+20
+20
75
25
2
16
-65
+16
+20
35
16
3
16
-70
+20
+20
45
15
3
16
-70
+20
+20
50
21
3
16
-72
+25
+30
32
19
8
32
-75
+25
+25
67
22
5
20
-80
+25
+25
44
23
4
16
-75
+20
+25
67
12
5
20
-75
+20
+25
82
12
5
20
-75
+30
+30
60
18
8
32
-75
+25
+25
63
17
7
25
-75
+25
+25
66
17
8
28
Max. DF
+20°C (%)
Maximum Capacitance Change
Max. I rms
100kHz
+85°C (mA)
130
140
160
330
330
180
90
270
410
410
210
340
280
530
510
530
540
650
800
130
140
160
330
330
180
270
410
410
280
340
290
300
430
670
460
480
650
670
130
140
160
270
160
270
160
160
90
270
410
410
340
340
300
300
280
610
410
670
470
540
670
670
800
A
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
C
C
B
C
B
D
C
D
C
D
D
A
A
A
B
B
A
B
C
C
B
C
B
B
C
D
C
C
D
D
A
A
A
B
A
B
A
A
A
B
C
C
C
C
B
B
B
D
C
D
C
C
D
D
D