SMPS Capacitors

Very High Frequency Switch Mode Power Supply Output Filter Capacitor Considerations and Mounting Limitations Written By: John Maxwell Abstract: This paper discusses output filter capacitor electrical limitations and considerations when used in 1MHz and above switch mode power supplies. Because surface mount components and assembly will be used to build these very high frequency switchers, physical mounting limitations, mechanical stress and assembly techniques are also discussed.

Processing Guidelines for SMPS Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors Written By: John Maxwell | Mark Doty Abstract: Surface mount technology and high current layout techniques will be used as high frequency switch mode power supplies move to one megahertz and beyond. There are practical SMT size limitations to components without compliant leads due to solder joint failure but adding leadframes to larger parts does not degrade electrical performance while enhancing reliability.

Ceramic Multilayer Capacitors in HF SMPS Applications Written By: John Prymak Abstract: There has been an explosion of interest in the use of ceramic capacitors for high frequency power conversion applications. This interest is compounded with new designs striving for higher frequencies, smaller sizes and greater efficiencies. This application is an ongoing and mutual development of ceramic values, processes and sizes that were never realized prior to this application. In more and more cases, the ceramic capacitor is dictated by performance requirements never attainable in the previous styles of electrolytic and tantalum.

Output Filter Capacitors for Mission Critical Applications Written By: Pat Hollenbeck Abstract: The constancy and regularity of output voltage in a DC/DC output network is critical in SMPS (switched-mode power supplies) electronic performance. When different input and output voltages are required in the circuitry, output filter capacitors are required to maintain current uniformity and reduce noise. This document discusses the effect of capacitors on output power quality. It evaluates and provides a comparison of different capacitor technologies, their high reliability qualification availability from COTS+ to space level, and their impact on the output filtering capabilities in switching power supplies primarily used for mission critical applications.