EPCOS components

Citation

(2005), "EPCOS components", Microelectronics International, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/mi.2005.21822bad.001

EPCOS components

EPCOS components

EPCOS has considerably extended its line of snubber capacitors for IGBTs which now covers a voltage range from 850 to 2,000V DC and a capacitance range from 47nF to 2.5IJF.

The components are available with eight different strap terminals that are mechanically and geometrically compatible with most IGBT modules made by Eupec, Fuji, Semikron and Toshiba. Up to five different terminals are available for each case variant. A specially devised cross-reference list enables customers to find the right capacitor with matching terminals quickly on the basis of the IGBT ordering code.

A polypropylene film metalised with aluminium and specified for the temperature range from -55 to +100°C is used as the dielectric. For higher capacitance values, up to four cylindrical windings in parallel are made per capacitor. The solder straps are welded in place.

Thanks to their compact and rugged design, the capacitors can also handle high currents. They can operate on up to 18 Arms at 25°C! 100kHz and withstand peak currents up to 1,000A. Equivalent series resistance is less than 35mΩ at 100kHz.

EPCOS has released new capacitors of series 843415 (solder pin) and 843416 (snap-in), geared to the needs of electronic flash units. Operating on 300-500V DC, they cover the capacitance range from 200 to 6,600μF with a tolerance of -10/ +20 per cent. Service life is specified at 30,000 flashes for a can temperature of 60°C and recycling time of more than 2s.

To meet the strict requirements of professional photographers, both series have been vibration-tested to IEC 60068-2-6. Can diameter varies from 25 to 50.9mm, depending on type. The new capacitors offer insertion heights that range from 40mm in the smallest capacitor to 100.8mm in the largest. Resistors rated at 10 and 0.5 are recommended for charging and discharging, respectively.

EPCOS has set another milestone in miniaturisation of passive electronic components for the CDMA 850 mobile radio standard with the PaiD (Power amplifier with integrated Duplexer) module, which now measures only 8.0 × 5.0 × 1.5mm.

Conventional solutions for CDMA 850 mobile handsets are based on discrete designs that require power amplifier modules (PAs), SAW duplexers, SAW filters, and coupling capacitors. EPCOS has set itself the goal of integrating PAs and duplexers in L TCC modules and thus reducing space requirements significantly. As well as saving board space, the benefits gained from this new technology include high cost efficiency combined with improved electrical properties. Thanks to combination of InGaP HBT-PAs featuring outstanding temperature stability with SAW duplexers and filters from EPCOS, this L TCC module has good electrical properties and makes significantly longer talk times possible.

Samples will be available from November 2004. From mid-2005, PaiD modules will be offered for the PCS band as well.

Recent improvements in miniaturisation of components has enabled EPCOS to develop its latest multilayer varistor as a quad array in size 0508 with nickel barrier termination composed of a three-layer metalisation of silver, nickel and tin (see Plate 1).

Plate 1 EPCOS has developed its latest multilayer varistor as a quad array in size 0508

It was specially developed for protection of high-speed data and video lines against electrostatic discharge. Its low capacitance of 10pF prevents signal attenuation and distortion. The applications derived from it are multiple allowing the multilayer varistor to be used in mobile phone technology, data system and multimedia.

The new component is designed to operate on 16V DC. Maximum leakage current is 0.01 ∼ A at 4.2V and 25°C, and maximum energy absorption is specified to IEC 610004-2 at 30mJ. The operating temperature range permitted extends from -55 to +85°C, without derating. The short response time of less than 0.5ns deserves special mention. The varistors are supplied on tape reels of 180 SMDs. Samples are available immediately.

For further information, contact: EPCOS Response Centre. E-mail: is@dbi-ltd.demon.co.uk