The CeraLink™ capacitor product range from TDK is a highly compact solution for the snubber and DC links of converters with special requirements with respect to space, temperature or ESL. E.g. they are ideal in connection with SiC or GaN based devices. These capacitors are based on the ceramic material PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate). In contrast to conventional ceramic capacitors, CeraLink has its maximum capacitance at the application voltage and due to their patented antiferroelectric capacitor technology, the capacitance of TDK CeraLink capacitors rises with increasing voltage.

Two designs are currently available:
LP series (B58031*) - SMD low profile series with a capacitance of 1 µF and a rated voltage of 500 V DC, or 0,5µF and a rated voltage of 700V. click here to download the datasheet.

SP series (B58033*) - Solder-pin series with a capacitance of 20 µF and a rated voltage of 500 V DC, click here to download the datasheet.

Both types offer extremely low ESL values of below 3.5 nH. The capacitors are designed for an operating temperature of -40°C to +150°C.

Thanks to their extremely low ESL and ESR properties, CeraLink capacitors can support higher switching frequencies and the use of lower-cost and more robust semiconductors. Furthermore, capacitor value, board space, magnetics, heat sink and so on can also be reduced significantly so that the total cost of solution (TCS) can typically be reduced by more than 40 percent.

A great advantage of the SMD low-profile CeraLink versions is that they can even be embedded in IGBT modules thanks to their compact dimensions. This results in a very low-inductance design, so that no significant overvoltages are produced when the semiconductors are switched.

Click here to view a video overview of the Ceralink capacitors from TDK

Outstanding ESR performance at high temperatures

Low leakage currents (isolation) aging degradation

A key parameter for power electronics is the self-discharging time constant and its temperature dependence. High values even at high temperatures minimize the risk of high temperature failure modes such as thermal runaway. Due to its structure, the ceramic material used in CeraLink capacitors is superior to that of existing ceramic systems and therefore outstanding aging properties can be expected.

High current rating both with and without cooling

This measurement was taken at +85°C ambient temperature. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the copper electrodes, CeraLink capacitors can be cooled very effectively. The permissible current is only limited by the device temperature. Even without forced cooling (no air flow, no heat sink) it is possible to apply several A/°F.

Main applications

• Snubber and DC link circuits for SiC and GaN power semiconductors

Key features and benefits

• ESR decreases drastically with temperature
• Extremely low ESL
• Suitable for switching frequencies up to and above 1 MHz
• Wide operating temperature range up to +150°C (also suitable for SiC/GaN)
• Low losses at high frequencies
• Supports fast-switching semiconductor
• Supports further miniaturization of power electronics on the system level
• Ultra-low leakage currents due to material selection
• With increasing frequencies the dielectric losses are decreasing
• Increasing capacitance with DC bias up to operating voltage
• Can be embedded in IGBT modules

Click here for more information or to buy from Anglia Live.

Anglia are offering a FREE sample of the Ceralink capacitor from TDK, fill in the form below to register your interest.

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