Capacitor for fast switching wide bandgap semiconductor applications

This enables power converters to operate at higher voltages, temperatures and frequencies, and achieve higher efficiency levels and greater power density. The devices are suitable for use in DC-Link, snubber and resonant applications.

KC-LINK capacitors are available with capacitance values ranging from 4.7nF to 220nF and voltage ranges of 500V to 1,700V. These devices utilise KEMET’s robust Class I C0G Base Metal Electrode (BME) dielectric technology giving them superior capacitance stability over temperature and voltage, combined with high ripple current capability. Furthermore, the capacitors exhibit extremely low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and equivalent series inductance (ESL). With an operating temperature range of -55 to +150°C, KEMET’s KC-LINK capacitors can be mounted near fast-switching semiconductors in high density power applications.

“Designers are increasingly looking for capacitor solutions capable of withstanding high temperatures and high voltages with stable capacitance as well as high ripple current capability over these operating conditions,” said Dr John Bultitude, Vice President and Technical Fellow at KEMET. “KC-LINK provides a solution meeting all of these requirements in a single surface mount component. These components will allow designers to increase power efficiency and density in applications such as 5G telecommunications base stations and on board electric vehicles.

KC-LINK capacitors are also ideal for resonant converters and wireless chargers in applications such as cloud computing and charging electric vehicles. These often require very low capacitance shift over operating conditions. The high mechanical robustness allows the capacitor to be mounted without the use of lead frames.

This provides extremely low equivalent series inductance (ESL) increasing the operating frequency range allowing for further miniaturisation. Available in both commercial and automotive (AEC-Q200) grades, this series is Pb-Free, RoHS and REACH compliant.

To further increase power density, KEMET has developed KONNEKTTM which utilises an innovative Transient Liquid Phase Sintering (TLPS) technology to create a leadless multi-chip solution. When combined with KEMET’s KC-LINK, KONNEKT enables a low-loss, low inductance package capable of handling extremely high ripple currents in the hundreds of kilohertz.