The latest X8R ceramic capacitors, from Kemet and Charcroft, deliver the same temperature capability as conventional X8R alternatives, but without the capacitance loss due to applied DC voltage. As a replacement for higher capacitance and larger footprint X8R ceramics, the new series increase stability and reliability in operating temperatures up to 150˚C.

Available in case sizes of 0402, 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210, and 1812, X8R ceramics have DC voltage ratings of 25V, 50V and 100V, with capacitance values from 10pF to 0.22µF. Capacitance tolerances range from ±1% to ±20%, with capacitance shift limited to ±15% from -55°C to +150°C.

In addition to industry-leading capacitance density, the new high-temperature C0G MLCCs, from Kemet, eliminate capacitance change due to applied DC voltage, temperature, and time. They also feature extremely low ESR and ESL and a high ripple current capability. Case sizes range from 0603 to 1812, with capacitance values from 0.5pF to 0.22μF and voltages of 10V to 100V.

Typical functions include: critical timing; tuning; low-loss, high-current or pulse applications; decoupling, by-pass, filtering, transient voltage suppression, blocking and energy storage for equipment operating in extreme environments.

Kemet have signed a $31.7 million contract with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory, for the US-manufacture of film and aluminum electrolytic capacitors used in alternative energy products and emerging green technologies. Two production lines are planned to be operational by the last quarter of 2010, with an additional two lines becoming operational by the end of 2011 and a further two lines by the end of 2012. Manufacturing in the US will reduce the supply-chain risk that Electric Drive Vehicle manufacturers face with the current dependence on non-US suppliers.