Tandem and Open Mode Capacitors

One of the most common causes of failure with standard capacitors is directly attributable to bending of the printed circuit board (PCB) after solder attachment. Excessive bending will create mechanical crack(s) within the ceramic capacitor. Mechanical cracks, depending upon severity, may not cause capacitor failure during the final assembly test. Over time, moisture penetration into the crack can cause a reduction in insulation resistance and eventual dielectric breakdown leading to capacitor failure in service.

Tandem Capacitors

Tandem Capacitors have been designed as a fail safe range using a series section internal design, for use in any application where short circuits would be unacceptable. A single Tandem capacitor can also be used in applications where two capacitors placed in series are specified, reducing board space and assembly time. The series section design offers the additional benefit of improved ESD performance. When combined with Syfer FlexiCap™ Termination, Syfer Tandem Capacitors provide an ultra robust and reliable component, for use in the most demanding applications.

Benefits of Tandem Capacitors include:

• Series section internal design provides two capacitors, both capable of independently working at rated voltage (DWV).
• Fully functioning component works at 50% of the applied voltage, resulting in a lower stress condition.
• Syfer FlexiCap™ provides protection from mechanical cracking.
• Improved ESD performance.
• Where two series capacitors are specified, board space and assembly time can be reduced.
• In the event of short circuit failure, one of the two capacitors will continue to function (although capacitance may be affected).
• Available in a wide range of chip sizes and voltage ratings.

Open Mode Capacitors

Open mode Capacitors have been designed specifically for use in applications where mechanical cracking is a severe problem and short circuits due to cracking are unacceptable. Open mode capacitors use inset electrode margins, which prevent any mechanical cracks which may form during board assembly from connecting to the internal electrodes. When combined with Syfer’s FlexiCap™ Termination, Syfer open mode capacitors provide a robust component with the assurance that if a part becomes cracked, the crack will be unlikely to result in short circuit failure.

Benefits of Open Mode Capacitors include:

• Inset electrode design provides protection in case of mechanical cracking, with any crack formed likely to result in low capacitance or open circuit rather than short circuit failure.
• Syfer FlexiCap™ provides protection from mechanical cracking.
• Available in a wide range of chip sizes and voltage ratings.