Polymer Solid Electrolytic Capacitors for Automotive Applications Written By: Jaroslav Tomasko | Slavomir Pala Abstract: Tantalum electrolytic capacitors are constructed using a sintered pellet of powdered tantalum as the anode of the device. A grown oxide layer on the contoured surface of the pellet acts as the dielectric insulator, and a cathode terminal is formed using either a conventional MnO2 electrolyte or a conductive polymer to sufficiently contact the oxide layer. The final capacitor can be packaged in many forms, and the typical J-lead surface mount construction is shown in Figure 2. The capacitive structure is bonded to a molded case and electrically interfaced using carbon as a separation layer and silver for connection with the lead frame.
