Benchmark of Tantalum versus Ceramic Capacitors

摘要

Development and implementation of electronic components in variety of equipment are still emerging hence continually new and advanced passive components are more demanded. Different capacitors' technologies have been developed to satisfy needs of the market in specific application areas. Capacitors have build-in specific kinds of features suitable for desired equipments thus it is not easy to decide, which technology is the best for determined circuits. The paper is going to describe parameters that are not often seen from a quick specification overview such as reliability, failure modes, piezoeffect of tantalum and ceramic capacitors. However, these parameters may be critical for reliable operation and final cost of the end device. Since miniaturization of ceramic capacitors is approaching closer to range of tantalum capacitors, choosing right components has to be considered in specific design areas. Their unequal features have to be also taken into an account in particular cases to select right technology for desired applications.