KEMET Corporation has introduced new high-voltage ALC10 series snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors, designed for high ripple current applications and featuring surge voltage capability and very long life performance.
KEMET’s ALC10 series capacitors are ideally suited for industrial and commercial applications demanding high reliability, with an operational life of up to 18,000 hours. KEMET's lineup of aluminum electrolytic capacitors are designed for use in all types of electronic equipment, including power and alternative energy, industrial, telecommunications, automotive, military, medical and consumer electronics applications.
Typical ALC10 series applications include frequency converters, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and high voltage switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), as well as energy storage and frequency inverters.
As the voltage rails used in modern inverter-based systems continue to increase, the need for high voltage, high capacitance solutions in smaller packages is critical. The new electrolyte developed for the ALC10 series allows for high-voltage capabilities up to 550 VDC in a small, board-mountable form factor, making them ideal for solar photovoltaic inverter and motor driver designs.
KEMET’s snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors consist of aluminum foil that is first etched to increase its surface area. Separate, carefully designed etching techniques are used for the anode and cathode foils. A layer of aluminum oxide, an excellent dielectric, is formed on the surface of the etched anode foil before the foils are wound together between special separator papers. At the same time, tabs are welded to the foils to form the connections.
The wound assembly is impregnated with a liquid electrolyte, providing a low equivalent series resistance (ESR) conductive path to the cathode foil with stable electrical and chemical properties. KEMET crafts its own electrolytes to match the etched foil characteristics and desired final properties. Meanwhile, the assembly’s packaging provides excellent vibration resistance and low thermal resistance.
The ALC10 series of snap-in capacitors covers a wide range of case sizes and voltage ratings. KEMET can also optimize the capacitor construction to offer an application-specific balance between required life, temperature, ripple current, physical size and cost.
Among the multiple benefits and features of KEMET’s new ALC10 Series snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the following:
- Extended temperature range allows increased ripple currents at lower temperatures
- High operating voltage of 550 VDC
- Compact size
- Very long operational life, up to 18,000 hours at +85°C, due to lower heat generation
- Excellent surge voltage capability