“NbO capacitors feature electrical characteristics that are the same or better than tantalum devices, so that design engineers have an alternative to tantalum for circuits requiring high CV ratings and low ESR characteristics,” says Bill Millman, technical director for AVX’s tantalum product division. “Unlike tantalum, niobium is readily available and the powder is prepared by a simpler process.”

Millman adds that the non-burn/non-smoke, lead- and halogen-free NbO caps give automotive electronics design engineers an environmentally friendly replacement for aluminum, polymer and high CV ceramic devices. Available in standard case sizes, the capacitors are priced from $0.30 to $0.40 in quantities of 10,000 or more. Lead times are four to six weeks.

AVX has also introduced a line of low ESR conductive polymer tantalum capacitors specifically designed to withstand the higher temperatures required for lead-free soldering processes. According to Millman, devices in the TCJ series help design engineers comply with directives such as RoHS (reduction of hazardous substances) and WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment).

The TCJ capacitors are constructed using a conductive polymer cathode technology that enables users to take advantage of the volumetric efficiency of tantalum. They feature significantly reduced ESR, but can withstand repeated (three or four times) 260°C solder processes.

Millman says an A case size, 10 microFarad tantalum capacitor with a traditional manganese dioxide cathode would have an ESR measured in Ohms, whereas the equivalent TCJ Series device has an ESR of less than 300 milliOhms.

The TCJ Series capacitors are available from 4.7 to 150 microFarads, in voltage ratings of 4 V, 6.3 V and 10 V and in A and B case sizes. Their operating temperature range is –55°C to +125°C. Typical pricing for the TCJ series capacitors ranges from $0.25 to $0.35 in quantities of 10,000, with lead times from eight to 10 weeks.