ceramic capacitors, KEMET, FT-CAPs

Flexible Termination capacitors provide protection against PCB flexing

News Release from: Kemet Electronics
07/09/2007

KEMET has expanded its range of surface mount X7R multi-layer ceramic capacitors with the introduction of flexible termination or FT-CAPs. The new devices offer an increased measure of protection against capacitor failure due to short-circuit caused by PCB flexing. FT-CAPs complement KEMET's existing Open Mode and Floating Electrode technologies that provide flex crack mitigation.

Designed for high capacitance applications, FT-CAPs use unique end-termination technology to add pliability, shifting any flex stress into the termination area and away from the ceramic body and the component’s active layers. FT-CAPs provide protection for up to 5mm of PCB flex-bend.

With regard to KEMET’s existing technologies, Floating Electrode capacitors (FE-CAPs) provide flex crack mitigation in low capacitance value applications, while Open Mode technology is relevant to mid-values capacitance devices.

FT-CAPs are available in EIA case sizes from 0603 up to 1210. KEMET plans to expand its offering to larger case sizes in the near future. The operating temperature range of KEMET X7R multi-layer FT-CAP ceramic capacitors is -55ºC to +125ºC with zero bias capacitance shift limited to +/-15% over that range. All parts are RoHS compliant and offered with 100% pure matte tin-plated terminations to give excellent solderability.