AVX Expands TPM Range Of Tantalum Capacitors

AVX has expanded its TPM series of multi-anode mirror-design tantalum capacitors, offering improved robustness and featuring very low ESR. The D-sized TPM 47uF/25V part offers an ESR of 55mohm. In comparison, a single-anode part in the same package has an ESR of 100mohm. For the E-case device (which has the same footprint but a bigger case size), the minimum ESR is 80mohm.

By reducing ESR by 30 per cent, the new capacitors offer an improvement in filtering capabilities, even to the extent that one part can sometimes replace two standard single-anode devices. Also new in the TPM range, the company has released mirror-design multi-anode parts rated at 35V. The TPM D 22uF/35V is suitable for use in circuits with high currents and voltage spikes where the profiles are limited to 3mm.

It is particularly suitable for automotive battery applications running on 12/14V with very low impedance, where it also offers greater robustness and a lower ESR than single-anode capacitors. Since D- and E-case sizes use an identical footprint, the pad design does not need to be changed if the D-case part can be used to replace the larger capacitor. For higher operating voltages, the TPM D 10uF/50V with an ESR of 140mohm is also available. All parts meet the requirements of AEC-Q200, which is said to be a key requirement for automotive designs in Europe.

AVX Develops Surface-Mount Crystal Resonator

AVX has developed a surface-mount crystal resonator that provides a nominal frequency of 32.768kHz in a ceramic package of 3.2 x 1.5mm and a profile of 0.8mm.

Designated ST3215SB, the reflow-compatible tuning-fork crystal resonator has a frequency tolerance of +/-20ppm, a maximum ESR of 70k ohms and an operating temperature range of -40 to 85C. Suitable for consumer and mobile equipment applications, the ST3215SB resonators are Pb free and RoHS compliant.

Standard capacitance ranges are 9 -12.5pF and low-capacitance versions, 7pF or less, are available on request.

AVX Upgrades Tantalum-Capacitor Modelling Tools

AVX has announced upgrades to its tantalum capacitor simulation and modelling support tools. Version III of AVX's Spitan software for simulation and modelling of tantalum capacitors includes features such as the effects of temperature and voltage on DCL leakage current. Equivalent circuits of capacitors with parameter values are given and more than 80 newly released codes have been added.

Spitan III can be freely downloaded and AVX has also developed a library of models of its tantalum capacitors. Five of the most common case sizes (A, B, C, D, E) are now available in STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) format, which is used for data exchange and archiving. AVX has also updated its Selectcap capacitor-selection programme to include all parts released in 2009.

AVX Adds Board-To-Board Connectors For LED Sector

AVX Corporation has expanded its wire-to-board connector product offering to include board-to-board connectors specifically designed for the light-emitting-diode (LED) industry. Designated the 9159 Series, the cost-effective connectors provide design flexibility by offering both card-edge (one-piece) and plug-and-socket (two-piece) interconnect options.

The connectors have a small footprint, making them suitable for applications where multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) need to be plugged together, such as LED lighting strips. The double-ended card-edge version provides a direct connection to both ends of a standard PCB with tin-plated pads in two, three, four and five positions. These 2.0mm pitch connectors support 3A current and 250V ratings. The connectors are 5.0mm high and come in both black and white options.

The two-piece connector version is surface mounted on one side of the PCB, which allows the LEDs to be placed on the other side to maintain consistent spacing. These 3.0mm-pitch and 3.0mm-high connectors measure 5.50mm in width when mated together, thus maximising board space for other components. Tooled in two, three, four, five and six positions, these connectors are also available in black and white options.

The new 9159 Series connectors reliably terminate PCBs. The 9159 Series is tested to industrial levels of shock, vibration and temperature cycling per IEC specifications to assure that it can withstand harsh environments. The connectors are suitable for use in LED lighting strips for sports-arena signs, display cases, lighting cabinets, fluorescent tube replacement and architectural lights used for building feature enhancement or internal feature lighting. The connectors are also suitable for rugged industrial and automotive applications. Both versions of the 9159 Series connectors are rated at 3A and have operating temperature ranges of -55C to +125C. The connectors are supplied in tape and reel packing and are RoHS compliant.