Kingtronics Blog

What is Tantalum Capacitors?

Tantalum capacitors are a subtype of electrolytic capacitors. They are made of tantalum metal which acts as an anode, covered by a layer of oxide which acts as the dielectric, surrounded by a conductive cathode. The use of tantalum allows for a very thin dielectric layer. This results in a higher capacitance value per volume, superior frequency characteristics compared to many other types of capacitors and excellent stability over time. Tantalum capacitors are generally polarized, which means that they may only be connected to a DC supply observing the correct terminal polarity. The downside to using tantalum capacitors is their unfavorable failure mode which may lead to thermal runaway, fires and small explosions, but this can be prevented through the use of external failsafe devices such as current limiters or thermal fuses. Technology advances allow tantalum capacitors to be used in a wide variety of circuits, often found in laptops, automotive industry, cell phones and others, most often in the form of surface mounted devices (SMD). These surface mount tantalum capacitors claim much less space on the printed circuit board and allow for greater packing densities.

Tantalum Capacitors is the ideal products for TV, video recorder, computer, program-controlled switch, telephone, instrument, and other civil electronic complete machines.

Since Tantalum Capacitors is widely used and may manufactures was affected by the spread of the epidemic in Europe and the United States. The price for the Tantalum Capacitors may be double by the end of this year.

Therefore, if you have any inquiry on hand, it is time to share your inquiry with Kingtronics.

Yageo said that due to the 5G driving demand for tantalum capacitors and the price increase effect driven by the epidemic, it is estimated that the price of tantalum capacitors will double by the end of this year.

Tantalum capacitors and MLCC, aluminum electrolytic, and film capacitors are the four commonly used capacitors in the industry. Tantalum capacitors have high density, high reliability and stability, and wide temperature range characteristics. They are widely used in industrial and consumer markets. According to statistics, in 2019 The global market size is approximately USD 1.6 billion.

Tantalum capacitors are widely used in fast charging devices for mobile phones due to their stable output and small size. In addition, tantalum capacitors are also ideal choice for 5G devices with large outdoor temperature changes and high requirements for service life and reliability. With the start of 5G commercial use, 5G base stations will be deployed in large numbers, which will increase the demand for tantalum capacitors.

At present, international tantalum capacitor manufacturers represented by the US companies VISHAY, KEMET, and AVX dominate the international tantalum capacitor market. However, due to the spread of the epidemic in Europe and the United States in the second quarter, the production capacity of overseas manufacturers was affected, and the gap between supply and demand expanded. AVX took the lead in May this year increase the price by 10%-15%. Yageo stated that the price increase of some items will take effect from May until the end of September; since manufacturers increased their prices, the surrounding spot retail sales have increased by 2 to 3 times, and the industry predicts that the price increase may be doubled by the end of this year. 

It does not seem that suppliers are alarmist. Under the influence of the epidemic and many uncertain factors in the international supply chain, the price surge of tantalum capacitors may intensify.