Why is tantalum used in capacitors?
Why is tantalum used in capacitors?
Tantalum capacitors are a subtype of electrolytic capacitors that use tantalum metal for the anode. Tantalum capacitors have superior frequency characteristics and long-term stability. They are known for their virtually unlimited shelf-life and their high capacitance density and reliability.
Can I use tantalum instead of ceramic capacitor?
For example, temperature stability showed that ceramic capacitors are more stable with regard to equivalent series resistance (ESR) and DCL, while tantalum capacitors are more stable for capacitance value over temperature.
What is SMD tantalum capacitor?
A tantalum electrolytic capacitor is an electrolytic capacitor, a passive component of electronic circuits. It consists of a pellet of porous tantalum metal as an anode, covered by an insulating oxide layer that forms the dielectric, surrounded by liquid or solid electrolyte as a cathode.
What is tantalum used for?
One of the main uses of tantalum is in the production of electronic components. An oxide layer which forms on the surface of tantalum can act as an insulating (dielectric) layer. Because tantalum can be used to coat other metals with a very thin layer, a high capacitance can be achieved in a small volume.
How much is scrap tantalum worth?
Tantalum has been valued from $40-200 per lb. over the last 10 or so years, but don’t get your hopes up too quickly as it is very hard to find. Most of the applications that tantalum would be used for are not common everyday scrapping items and it will be rare to find it.
How do you read a SMD tantalum capacitor code?
The markings on SMD tantalum capacitors normally consist of three numbers. The first two form the significant figures, and the third is the multiplier. Values are in picofarads. Therefore the SMD tantalum capacitor shown below has a value of 47 x 105pF, which works out to be 4.7µF.
Do tantalum capacitors catch fire?
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.
Is tantalum safe to handle?
Tantalum salts are non-toxic when taken orally because they are poorly absorbed and quickly eliminated from mammals. Tantalum is inert enough to be used as an implant material for humans. Inhaling tantalum oxide (Ta20s) has caused transient bronchitis and interstitial pneumonitis with hyperemia in mammals.
What is the price of tantalum?
Tantalum Price
| Year | Price | Price (Inflation Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $151,800.00 | $151,800.00 |
| 2017 | $128,000.00 | $131,072.00 |
| 2016 | $134,000.00 | $140,371.97 |
| 2015 | $174,000.00 | $186,466.35 |