HJC-CBB21-105J-400V
HJC CBB21 1µF 400V polypropylene film capacitor, box type, low loss, ideal for DC-link and snubber applications.
Product Overview
Description
The HJC-CBB21-105J-400V is a metallized polypropylene film capacitor featuring low losses and excellent self-healing properties.
With 1µF capacitance and 400V rating, this capacitor is suitable for DC-link filtering, snubber circuits, and high-frequency applications.
The box-type package with 15mm lead spacing provides easy PCB mounting and good heat dissipation.
Product Series
HJC
Primary Application
DC-link filtering in inverters
Key Features
- Low loss polypropylene dielectric
- Self-healing metallized construction
- High insulation resistance
- Low ESR for high-frequency applications
- Box type for easy mounting
- RoHS compliant
Specifications
| Capacitance | 1µF |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 400V DC / 250V AC |
| Tolerance | ±5% (J) |
| Dielectric | Metallized Polypropylene |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +105°C |
| Dissipation Factor | ≤0.001 @ 1kHz |
| Insulation Resistance | ≥30,000MΩ |
| Lead Spacing | 15mm |
| Dimensions | 18mm x 9mm x 13mm (L x W x H) |
| Self-Healing | Yes |
Applications
DC-link filtering in inverters
Electronic system design
IGBT snubber circuits
Electronic system design
High-frequency power supplies
Electronic system design
Resonant circuits
Electronic system design
EMI suppression
Electronic system design
Lighting ballasts
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The HJC-CBB21-105J-400V is my standard recommendation for DC-link and snubber applications up to a few hundred watts. The polypropylene dielectric provides excellent low-loss characteristics - the dissipation factor of 0.001 is 10x better than polyester alternatives. In my experience with solar inverter designs, this capacitor handles high-frequency ripple current with minimal self-heating. The 400V rating is perfect for 220V AC input systems (rectified to ~310V DC) with good margin. I particularly like the self-healing feature - we've seen these capacitors survive voltage transients that would destroy other types. The 15mm pitch fits standard PCB layouts. For higher power, I parallel multiple units rather than using larger electrolytics - the combination of low ESR and long lifetime makes film capacitors cost-effective over the product life."
Low-loss polypropylene film capacitor for DC-link and snubber applications
— Lisa Wang, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESR and ripple current capability of this film capacitor?
The HJC-CBB21-105J-400V has very low ESR due to its polypropylene construction. Typical ESR is 5-10mΩ at 100kHz, significantly lower than electrolytic capacitors of similar size. The ripple current capability depends on frequency and ambient temperature: at 100kHz and 85°C ambient, approximately 2A RMS; at 10kHz, approximately 1.5A RMS. The low dissipation factor (tan δ ≤0.001) means minimal self-heating from ripple current. For high-ripple applications, the capacitor temperature rise should be kept below 15°C. Multiple capacitors can be paralleled for higher ripple current - two in parallel provide approximately 4A capability at 100kHz. The low ESR makes this capacitor ideal for high-frequency switching applications where ripple voltage must be minimized.
Use for high-frequency applications where low ESR is critical; parallel multiple units for very high ripple currents.
How does this capacitor compare to ceramic and electrolytic for DC-link?
Compared to ceramic and electrolytic capacitors for DC-link: vs Ceramic MLCC - Film has higher capacitance density at high voltage (1µF/400V in compact package), no DC bias effect, better surge capability, but larger size than equivalent ceramic; vs Electrolytic - Film has much lower ESR (5-10mΩ vs 100-500mΩ), no wear-out mechanism (theoretical infinite life), can handle higher ripple current without heating, but lower capacitance density and higher cost per µF. Best choice when: 1) High ripple current with minimal heating is required, 2) Long lifetime (15+ years) is needed, 3) High-frequency switching (>20kHz) is used, 4) Ambient temperature is high. Many designs use film capacitors in parallel with electrolytics - film handles high-frequency ripple, electrolytic provides bulk capacitance.
Use film capacitors when low ESR and long life are priorities; combine with electrolytics for cost-effective high-capacitance solutions.
What is the expected lifetime of this film capacitor?
The HJC-CBB21-105J-400V has an expected lifetime of 100,000+ hours at rated voltage and 85°C. Film capacitors do not have a wear-out mechanism like electrolytics - their lifetime is limited by gradual degradation rather than sudden failure. Expected degradation: 1) Capacitance - Typically <5% loss over 100,000 hours due to cumulative self-healing, 2) Insulation Resistance - Gradual decrease over time, 3) Dissipation Factor - Minimal change. The actual lifetime depends on operating conditions: 1) Voltage - Operating at 70-80% of rated extends life significantly, 2) Temperature - Every 10°C reduction doubles lifetime, 3) Ripple Current - High ripple causes self-heating and accelerates aging. At 40°C ambient with 70% voltage derating, expected lifetime exceeds 200,000 hours (20+ years). Unlike electrolytics, film capacitors do not require periodic replacement in most applications.
Expect 15-20+ year lifetime in typical applications; no scheduled replacement needed like electrolytics.
Can this capacitor be used for AC applications?
Yes, the HJC-CBB21-105J-400V is rated for AC operation at 250V AC (50/60Hz). For AC applications: 1) Voltage Rating - The 250V AC rating is for continuous sine wave operation; for 220V AC line, this provides good margin, 2) Frequency - Rated for power line frequencies (50/60Hz); for higher frequencies, derate voltage or check with factory, 3) Current - Ensure RMS current does not exceed ripple current rating, 4) Safety - Not safety-rated (X/Y class) for direct line connection; use only in isolated secondary circuits. Common AC applications: motor run capacitors, power factor correction, lighting ballasts, and AC filtering. The self-healing property is particularly valuable in AC applications where voltage transients are common. For direct AC line connection (across line or line-to-ground), use HJC's safety-rated X2 or Y2 capacitors.
Suitable for AC up to 250V RMS in isolated circuits; use safety-rated capacitors for direct line connection.
How should I mount this box-type film capacitor?
Mounting guidelines for HJC-CBB21-105J-400V box-type capacitor: 1) Lead Spacing - 15mm pitch; use 1.0-1.2mm diameter holes on 15mm centers, 2) Mounting Orientation - Can be mounted vertically (leads down) or horizontally; vertical preferred for heat dissipation, 3) Clearance - Maintain 5mm minimum clearance from other components, 4) Stress Relief - Avoid mechanical stress on leads; use appropriate hole sizes to prevent lead damage, 5) Soldering - Hand or wave soldering: 260°C max for 3 seconds; avoid excessive heat that could damage the case, 6) Cleaning - Use compatible cleaning solvents; some solvents can attack the plastic case. The box-type case provides good mechanical protection but should not be subjected to excessive force or impact. For high-vibration applications, use additional mechanical support or adhesive to secure the capacitor body.
Standard through-hole mounting; ensure 15mm pitch and avoid excessive heat during soldering.
What is the self-healing characteristic and how does it affect reliability?
The HJC-CBB21-105J-400V uses metallized film construction with self-healing properties. When a localized dielectric breakdown occurs: 1) The metallization around the fault vaporizes due to high current density, 2) This isolates the defect and restores insulation, 3) The process occurs in microseconds with minimal capacitance loss. Reliability benefits: 1) No Catastrophic Failure - Unlike solid dielectric capacitors, film capacitors heal rather than short circuit, 2) Graceful Degradation - Capacitance decreases gradually over time rather than sudden failure, 3) Transient Tolerance - Can survive occasional voltage spikes without permanent damage. Typical self-healing impact: <1pF capacitance loss per event, <5% total capacitance loss over 100,000 hours. The capacitor continues to function normally after self-healing events. This makes film capacitors exceptionally reliable for applications where occasional voltage transients occur.
Self-healing provides inherent reliability; monitor capacitance periodically to track gradual degradation.