SwampFox

KEMET Introduces the First 35 Volt Rated Polymer Tantalum Capacitor

Advanced Technology Expands Target Applications for Polymer Tantalum
Products

GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In its continuing
commitment to lead the industry in capacitance technology, KEMET
Corporation (NYSE: KEM) today announces the release of the first-ever 35V
rated surface- mount polymer tantalum chip capacitor.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgibin/prnh/20071108/CLTH111 )
Since their introduction in the 1990's, polymer tantalum capacitors
have become a popular choice for capacitance solutions in the portable
consumer electronics market due to their low ESR (Equivalent Series
Resistance), high reliability, volumetric efficiency, low-profile design
and benign failure mode. To date, these devices have been most commonly
used in 14V (or less) applications and are limited to voltage applications
that do not exceed 20V of continuous duty. These voltage restrictions are
driven by limitations in the materials and manufacturing processes that
have, until today, prevented the industry from achieving higher voltage
ratings.
By overcoming these limitations through advancements in materials and
manufacturing processes, KEMET has successfully constructed and qualified
the first polymer tantalum capacitors suitable for applications of up to
28V of continuous duty. In addition, these devices have demonstrated surge
voltage handling capabilities in excess of 46V. This increase in voltage
rating now provides designers working with higher-voltage applications,
such as 24V and 28V power input rails, with the option of incorporating
polymer tantalum technology into new designs as opposed to incorporating
capacitance technologies that do not offer similar performance advantages.
"This new technology allows us to meet a long-standing need of many of
our customers," says Per Loof, Chief Executive Officer. "KEMET is striving
to become 'The Capacitance Company,' and the leadership we are now showing
in technology represents a significant step toward reaching that goal."
Designated as the T521 Series, KEMET's initial offering in this new
series includes the popular low-profile V Case Size (7.3mm x 4.3mm x 1.9mm)
with a capacitance rating of 15uF and maximum ESR ratings of 100 milliohms.
Future releases will include higher case heights (7.3mm x 4.3mm x 3.0mm)
with target capacitance values of 22uF and 33uF as well as smaller
footprints (3.5mm x 2.8mm x 2.0mm) targeting application voltages of 6.8uF
and less.
Sample quantities are available upon request through your local KEMET
Representative. Mass production quantities will be available during the
first quarter of 2008.
For T-521 Series-High Voltage Polymer Preliminary Product
Specifications, please visit http://www.kemet.com.
KEMET Corporation applies world-class service and quality to deliver
industry-leading, high-performance capacitance solutions to its customers
around the world. KEMET offers the world's most complete line of
surface-mount and through-hole capacitor technologies across tantalum,
ceramic, aluminum (organic and electrolytic), film and paper dielectrics.
KEMET's common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol KEM. Additional information can be found at http://www.kemet.com.
Frequently Asked Questions

T521 High Voltage Polymer Series

1. What is the KEMET T521 Series capacitor?

KEMET's new T521 series capacitor represents the first 35V rated tantalum
polymer surface-mount chip capacitor available in the industry today. The
T521 series initial release consists of the EIA low-profile case size
7343-19 (7.3mm x 4.3mm x 1.9mm (max height)) with a capacitance value of
15mF and an ESR rating of 100mOhms.

2. What is the rated temperature of the T521 Series?

The T521 Series is rated to 125 degrees C.

3. What are the recommended derating conditions for the T521 Series?

Recommended deratings for the T521 Series include a 20% voltage derating
for optimal reliability. For applications exceeding 105 degrees C, an
additional temperature derating is also recommended. Above 105 degrees C,
the voltage should be linearly derated to 2/3 the rated voltage for
operation at 125 degrees C.

4. What are the target applications for the T521 Series?

The T521 Series was designed to meet the demands of customers interested
in tantalum polymer solutions for 24V and 28V power input rails.

5. Is the T521 a surge robust device?

Yes. Step Surge Stress Testing (SSST) has confirmed that the T521 Series
has a minimum surge robustness of 1.32Vr (46V).

6. Is the T521 Series in mass production?

Mass production of the T521 series is scheduled for the first quarter of
2008. Sample quantities are currently available for evaluation.

7. Is the T521 Series a sole source item?

At the time of release, the T521 Series is the first publicly announced
offering of a 35V tantalum polymer chip capacitor. KEMET is confident
that manufacturers of similar products are aggressively pursuing similar
platforms.

8. What is unique about the T521 Series?

Due to limitations in materials and processing, the industry has not been
successful in exceeding a 25V rated device in a tantalum polymer solution
to date. Through advancements in materials and processes, KEMET has
successfully overcome these obstacles. While the details of the T521
Series' success are proprietary, the outcome of KEMET's effort has
resulted in a breakthrough technology. This new offering meets the
requests of our customers to provide higher voltage ratings in the
tantalum polymer product lines.

9. Is the T521 Series RoHS compliant and capable of meeting Pb-free
(260C) reflow temperatures?

The T521 series is RoHS compliant and capable of meeting the 260C reflow
temperatures-three passes.

10. Is the T521 Series moisture sensitive?

Yes, the T521 series is moisture sensitive. It is rated at MSL Level 3
and will be shipped in moisture bags similar to our other tantalum polymer
products.

Contact: Jayson Young Dean W. Dimke
Technical Product Line Manager, Director of Corporate and
Tantalum, Organic Polymer, Aluminum Marketing Communication
jaysonyoung@kemet.com deandimke@kemet.com
864-967-6859 864-228-4448