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What is a capacitor?A capacitor is an electronic component with the ability to store electrical charge, block DC signals, and pass AC signals. As there are numerous variants, it necessary to understand the characteristics of each type when selecting a capacitor.
Capacitor ApplicationsCapacitors (including tantalum) are often used in the following applications (backup, decoupling, and coupling).
Silicon Capacitor OutlineFeaturing a compact, low-profile factor, silicon capacitors utilize thin-film semiconductor technology to provide stable capacitance in response to applied voltage and temperature changes. The internal structure of silicon capacitors can be divided into two types: planar and trench. Two mounting methods for silicon capacitors exist: solder and wire bond.
Comparing Silicon and Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs)Silicon capacitors have better DC bias and temperature characteristics than multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Silicon capacitors can achieve a lower profile by using thin-film semiconductor technology, and there is no noise due to voltage fluctuations.
What is a Tantalum Capacitor?Generally, surface mount tantalum capacitors are constructed by forming electrodes at both ends of the tantalum element using a lead frame, then sealing the structure with mold resin.
Ceramic Capacitor vs Tantalum Capacitors 1Tantalum capacitors configured with electrodes on the bottom of the package are not susceptible to shorts, even when mounted close together facing each other.
Ceramic Capacitor vs Tantalum Capacitors 2Tantalum capacitors experience very little change in capacitance characteristics due to circuit DC voltage and/or temperature fluctuations, eliminating the need to verify the effective capacitance - unlike ceramic capacitors.
