Vibration-resistant capacitors

30th January 2025

Sheryl Miles

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All surface-mount (SMT) variants of the Aluminium Electrolytic and Aluminium Hybrid Polymer capacitors from Würth Elektronik are now available in a vibration-resistant version upon request. These capacitors feature enlarged solder pads and a reinforced base plate, enabling them to withstand acceleration forces up to 30g (294m/s²).

Reliable operation under mechanical stress

Electronic systems must function reliably even when subjected to extreme mechanical stress. This is particularly relevant for industrial machinery, power tools, automotive applications, aerospace systems, and drones. Vibrations can degrade electrical connections, leading to reduced performance or complete failure.

Challenges in continuous operation

Standard SMT components, particularly larger ones, may struggle under prolonged vibration stress. Without additional support or structural adaptations, they are at risk of detaching from the circuit board over time. In applications exposed to continuous mechanical loads, this detachment can lead to circuit failures, resulting in potential safety risks, costly downtime, or reduced equipment lifespan.

Design improvements for enhanced durability

Würth Elektronik has designed its vibration-resistant capacitors to address these challenges without requiring specialised connection techniques such as press-fitting. The key enhancements include larger solder pads that create a more secure attachment to the PCB and a higher base structure that improves mechanical stability and vibration damping. Additionally, the base of the capacitor features special cut-outs to maintain efficient thermal management, ensuring reliable operation under varying environmental conditions.

Rigorous testing beyond industry standards

To ensure reliability, the capacitors undergo testing beyond the IEC 60384-4 standard. They are subjected to a 12-hour endurance test, with four hours of vibration stress per axis, across a frequency range of 10Hz to 2kHz and an amplitude of 0.75mm. Following this, electrical tests verify that the components remain securely attached and fully functional.

Seamless integration into SMT production

The vibration-resistant capacitors are compatible with standard SMT production lines, allowing easy integration into existing manufacturing processes. They are available with customised specifications on request, providing flexibility for applications requiring enhanced durability and long-term reliability.