Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Screw Terminal Type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

Option Service : To our regular series (VF, VG, VFL, VGL, VFH, FXA, FX2, HXA, GXA, GX2), we can add Charge-Discharge function. Please contact us.
Type / Series Feature Useful Life time [h] Operating Temperature range [℃] Standard product Small-sized product High-reliability product Operating voltage[V.DC] Capacitance range[µF]
Standard VF UPGRADE! Standard 4,000 -40〜+85 6.3〜600 560〜680,000
VG UPGRADE! 105℃, Standard 4,000 -40〜+105 25〜500 680〜330,000
VFL UPGRADE! Long-life, Standard 8,000 -40〜+85 350〜550 680〜27,000
VGL UPGRADE! 105℃, Long-life, Standard 8,000 -40〜+105 350〜500 680〜27,000
VFH UPGRADE! Long-life 20,000 -40〜+85 350〜500 680〜27,000
High-ripple current VFR UPGRADE! Small-sized, High-ripple current 4,000 -40〜+85 350〜500 820〜27,000
VGR UPGRADE! Small-sized, High-ripple current 4,000 -40〜+105 350〜500 680〜22,000
VFLR UPGRADE! Small-sized, High-ripple current 8,000 -40〜+85 350〜500 820〜27,000
VGLR UPGRADE! Small-sized, High-ripple current 8,000 -40〜+105 350〜500 680〜22,000
VFHR UPGRADE! High-ripple current, Long-life 20,000 -40〜+85 350〜500 680〜22,000
Large-capacitance HCGWA Ultra small 4,000 -10〜+85 350〜500 5,600〜57,000
HCGW2 UPGRADE! Ultra small 4,000 -10〜+85 400〜500 7,500〜33,000
HCGW3 UPGRADE! Ultra small 4,000 -10〜+70 350〜500 10,000〜51,000
FXW UPGRADE! Ultra small, Long-life 8,000 -10〜+85 350〜450 9,000〜45,000
FXW2 UPGRADE! Ultra small, Long-life 8,000 -10〜+85 350〜500 7,900〜42,000
Not recommended for the new design. HCG7A ★Recommended series :VF" 4,000 -25〜+85 6.3〜100 3,300〜680,000
HCGF5A ★Recommended series :VF" 4,000 -25〜+85 160〜450 270〜39,000
HCGF6A ★Recommended series :VF" 4,000 -25〜+85 400〜500 1,200〜22,000
FXA ★Recommended series :VFL" 8,000 -40〜+85 350〜450 1,000〜18,000
FX2 ★Recommended series :VFL" 8,000 -40(-25)〜+85 400〜600 1,000〜22,000
FX3 ★Recommended series :VFL" 8,000 -40〜+85 400〜500 1,200〜22,000
FXR3 ★Recommended series :VFLR" 8,000 -40〜+85 400〜500 1,800〜22,000
HXA ★Recommended series :VFH" 20,000 -40〜+85 350〜450 1,000〜15,000
HCGHA ★Recommended series :VG" 4,000 -40〜+105 25〜400 330〜330,000
GXA ★Recommended series :VGL" 8,000 -40〜+105 350〜450 1,000〜15,000
GX2 ★Recommended series :VGL" 8,000 -40〜+105 400〜500 1,000〜10,000
GX3 ★Recommended series :VGL" 8,000 -40〜+105 400, 450 1,500〜12,000
GXR3 ★Recommended series :VGLR" 8,000 -40〜+105 400, 450 2,200〜18,000

Snap Mount Type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

Type / Series Feature Useful Life time [h] Operating Temperature range [℃] Standard product Small-sized product High-reliability product Operating voltage[V.DC] Capacitance range[µF]
Standard HP3 Standard 4,000 -40〜+85 16〜450 120〜33,000
HU3 105℃, Standard 4,000 -40〜+105 16〜450 68〜33,000
HU UPGRADE! 105℃, Small-sized 4,000 -40(-25)〜+105 200〜550 82〜2,200
ZL UPGRADE! 105℃, Small-sized 5,000 -40(-25)〜+105 200〜550 82〜2,700
Long -life HL UPGRADE! 105℃, Small-sized 8,000 -40(-25)〜+105 200〜500 56〜2,700
YL 105℃, Small-sized 10,000 -25〜+105 400〜500 82〜680
XL1 105℃ 15,000 -40〜+105 200〜450 56〜1,800
Special application UW Ultra small 2,000 -10〜+105   450 210〜1,150
CU 105℃, side-vent type, High-ripple current 4,000 -25〜+105 400〜500 120〜1,200
ZR2 NEW! High-ripple current 5,000 -25〜+105   400, 450 180〜1,500
ZR High-ripple current 5,000 -40〜+105 400, 450 150〜680
PS2 NEW! High-ripple current, large capacitance 4,000 -40(-25)〜+85   200〜600 180〜4,700
US2 NEW! High-ripple current, large capacitance 4,000 -40〜+105   200〜450 330〜4,700
DH Charge-Discharge 5,000 -25〜+105 400, 450 82〜680
HW UPGRADE! Flash -20〜+55 330〜450 320〜3,800
HS UPGRADE! Flash -20〜+55 330〜450 300〜3,100

Radial Type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

Type / Series Feature Useful Life time [h] Operating Temperature range [℃] Standard product Small-sized product High-reliability product Operating voltage[V.DC] Capacitance range[µF]
Standard HU Standard 2,000 -25〜+105 200〜450 8.2〜560
HL Standard, Long-life 5,000 -25〜+105 200〜450 8.2〜560

FAQs

What quality standards do these capacitors meet?

Our aluminum electrolytic capacitors, including series such as VF, VG, VFL, and VGL, meet rigorous quality standards to ensure exceptional reliability and performance. We ensure compliance with the RoHS directive, which restricts the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Our capacitors meet are the highest industry standards.

Can these capacitors be customized for specific applications?

Yes, we offer customization options for our aluminum electrolytic capacitors across various series, including VF, VG, VFH, and others. For example, we can add a Charge-Discharge function to our regular series, such as VF, VG, VFL, VGL, VFH, FXA, FX2, HXA, GXA, and GX2. This allows us to tailor the capacitors to meet specific electrical characteristics and operational requirements based on your unique needs.

How do AIC Tech's capacitors handle high ripple currents and what makes them suitable for such applications?

Our aluminum electrolytic capacitors, particularly the high-ripple current series like VFR, VGR, VFLR, VGLR, VFHR, and others, are engineered to handle high ripple currents with outstanding efficiency. We utilize advanced design techniques that enhance these capacitors' ability to withstand high ripple currents without overheating or degrading. The VFHR and VFR series, for instance, offer long-life and high-ripple current capabilities, making them ideal for even the most demanding applications.

How do AIC Tech's capacitors perform in harsh environmental conditions, such as high humidity or corrosive atmospheres?

We design our aluminum electrolytic capacitors, such as those in the VGL and VFH series, to perform reliably under specified environmental conditions. Our capacitors are engineered to operate within wide temperature ranges, from -40°C to +105°C, depending on the series. However, we recommend avoiding exposure to corrosive atmospheres or excessive humidity, as these conditions can lead to capacitor failures. Proper environmental controls are essential to ensure reliable performance in such environments.

Can these capacitors be used in applications involving high-frequency currents or harmonics?

Yes, our aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be effectively used in applications involving high-frequency currents or harmonics. We offer series such as VFR and VGR, which are specifically designed to handle frequency and harmonic conditions. It’s important to select the appropriate series based on the frequency characteristics of your application to ensure optimal performance.

What is the typical lifespan of these capacitors, and how does operating temperature affect their longevity?

The typical lifespan of our aluminum electrolytic capacitors varies by series. For example, our VFH and VFHR series offer a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, while our VG and VF series offer around 4,000 hours. Operating temperature plays a crucial role in capacitor longevity; our capacitors should be used within their specified temperature ranges (-40°C to +105°C, depending on the series) to avoid thermal overload, which can reduce their lifespan. Proper cooling and maintaining temperatures within recommended limits are key to maximizing the lifespan of our capacitors.

Are these capacitors compliant with environmental and safety standards, such as the RoHS directive?

Yes, all of our aluminum electrolytic capacitors, including series like VF, VG, VFH, and others, comply with the RoHS directive. This ensures that our capacitors do not contain hazardous substances, meeting stringent environmental and safety standards and making them safe for a wide range of applications.

Basics of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Internal structure of aluminum electrolytic capacitors

Fig.1 Diagram of Internal Structure (Screw terminai type)
Fig.1 Diagram of Internal Structure (Screw terminai type)
Fig.2 Diagram of Device and Basic Structure
Fig.2 Diagram of Device and Basic Structure

Manufacturing processes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors

① Etching (expanding surface area)

The processing for expanding the surface of aluminum foil.
High purity aluminum foil, 500mm wide and 0.1mm thick is continuously processed electrochemically by flowing direct current through a chlorine bath solution. The surface area is expanded 50-100 times for low-voltage use capacitors and 10-40 times for medium to high-voltage use capacitors.

Fig.3 Diagram of etching model
Fig.3 Diagram of etching model

② Forming (dielectric formation)

The process of forming the dielectric(Al2O3).
The dielectric is formed in a continuous electrochemical process by passing a voltage that is 120-200 percent of the working voltage through etched aluminum foil that is in a bath of boric acid ammonium. The dielectric is extremely thin, about 14Å/V.

Fig.4 Diagram of formation model
Fig.4 Diagram of formation model

③ Slitting

The formed aluminum foil(anode foil), cathode foil and electrolytic paper are slit according to the product size.

④ Winding

Electrolytic paper is inserted between the slit anode foil and the opposite cathode foil and rolled into a tube. Leads are connected because both electrode foils are concerted to a terminal. To prevent mechanical contact between the anode and cathode electrode foils, the electrolytic pass functions to hold the electrolytic liquid which is a cathode electrode.

⑤ Impregnation

The process of inserting the electrolytic liquid into the device by pressurization and depressurization. The electrolytic fluid is uses such things for solvents as boric acid and organic acid ammonium with ethylene glycol as the main medium. These have a very big effect on the life, frequency characteristics, range of operating temperature and temperature characteristics of the capacitor.

⑥ Assembly

After making holes on lead tab insulation cap are connected to lead.

⑦ Sealing

The impregnated device is sealed by an aluminum case and sealant to keep it airtight.

⑧ Reforming (aging)

This is the process of applying voltage at high temperature to debug, to form the dielectric that has been damaged during assembly and to shear the anode foil during slitting.

⑨ Inspection of all parts

Inspection is made of the external appearance and the electrical characteristics of all aged parts.

⑩ Sampling, packaging and shipping

An inspection is made according to fixed sampling standards and the capacitors that pass the inspection are packed and shipped. Detailed tests are made periodically to check quality.

Service Life of an Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor

1. Factors affecting service life

Environmental factors affecting the service life of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor include temperature, humidity and vibration (environment), as well as electrical factors, applied voltage, ripple current and charging / discharging conditions. In capacitors for mid-to-high-voltage filters, temperature and applied voltage are the most important controlling factors. The estimated service life may be calculated based on the core temperature of the capacitor and the applied voltage.

1.1 Temperature Conditions

Impact on Service Life: Higher ambient temperatures accelerate the decrease in capacitance and increase the tangent change for the loss angle, primarily due to gas generation from the electrolytic solution.

Estimating Service Life: The service life can be extended by lowering the core temperature, which can be achieved by reducing ambient temperature, lowering load current, or improving capacitor design to enhance cooling.

1.2 Voltage Conditions

Impact on Service Life: Applying voltage below the rated level can extend the service life. However, if the voltage drops below 60% of the rated voltage, its impact on service life becomes negligible.

Voltage Management: It's crucial to keep the applied voltage below the rated level to prevent rapid deterioration, such as leakage current increase or internal pressure buildup, which can lead to safety vent activation or internal short circuits.

2. Other Factors Affecting Service Life

2.1 Reverse Voltage

Applying reverse voltage leads to the formation of an oxide film on the cathode foil, generating heat and gases, which significantly shortens service life.

2.2 Charge and Discharge

Frequent charging and discharging cause oxide film formation on the cathode foil, reducing the service life. General-purpose capacitors are not suitable for applications like photo flash or welding circuits.

2.3 Inrush Current

Inrush currents, which are significantly larger than normal currents, can occur when powering up devices like welding machines. While occasional inrush currents are manageable, frequent occurrences can drastically shorten the capacitor's service life.

Reducing Substances with Environmental Impact

As part of our initiatives for global environment protection under ISO 14001, we recommend products without any substances with environmental impact to our customers.

(1) Lead-free

Regarding Snap mount type and Radial type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, our standard specification is to use Tin instead of Lead on the surface of terminal plating. We discontinued producing Tin + Lead plating. Regarding Screw terminal type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, they do not contain Lead at all. Please contact us for details.

(2) Eliminating Chromate Treatment

The previous chromate treatment on the surface of bracket contained hexavalent chromium.
To avoid this material, we changed to trivalent chromium.
The surface treatment is changed but no change in size or other specification.
In addition to Lead-free, aluminum electrolytic capacitors that we produce have suited RoHS Directive.

(3) PVC-free

For PVC-free Snap mount type and Radial type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, the capacitors are covered with PET insulating sleeve, and The bottoms not covered. Please contact us for other PVC-free products.

(4) Conform RoHS

All series (Screw terminal type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, Snap mount type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, Radial type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors) apply RoHS

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AIC tech Capacitors All Guide