Capacitors from AVX to replace aluminium electrolytics in nextgen TVs

A key driver in this market is the need to dramatically improve reliability of these very high cost consumer products, compared to the low cost CRT systems. Explains Gordon Hoey, Tantalum Marketing Manager at AVX Corporation: “Some of today’s LCD/PDP TV designs still consist of 100 to 200 aluminium electrolytic capacitors per board. However, recent requirements like lead-free and RoHS compliance, combined with increased reliability requirements, mean that OEMs will now favour Niobium Oxide capacitors.” RoHS–compliant OxiCap® capacitors, unlike aluminium devices, are fully compatible with 3x260degC lead-free reflow assembly and deliver MTBF reliability values which are about fifty times better.

Thanks to a higher volumetric efficiency, OxiCap® devices are also thinner and smaller than their aluminium counterparts. More, when considering a complete cost model for OxiCap® components (including high speed SMD technology, lead-free compliance and high manufacturing yield/less rework) they are significantly more cost-effective than traditional aluminium capacitors.

Adds Hoey: “Some of the leading LCD/PDP TV manufactures have already started using OxiCap® capacitors in their latest models, in applications such as A/D processing, DC/DC converters, audio/video input and output of control units, drivers and interfaces.

The proven devices will help design engineers in their challenge to meet increased requirements for better computer graphics power (full HD resolution) and higher reliability, combined with a thinner, more lightweight and environmentally friendly design.”