PCA0J471MCL1GS
PCA series compact SMD capacitor with 470uF 6.3V for mobile and portable devices.
Product Overview
Description
The PCA0J471MCL1GS is a compact conductive polymer aluminum capacitor from Nichicon's PCA series, designed for space-constrained mobile and portable device applications. With 470uF capacitance and 6.3V voltage rating, this capacitor provides excellent filtering in a tiny SMD package.
Featuring Nichicon's conductive polymer technology in a compact 5mm × 5.8mm package, the PCA0J471MCL1GS delivers low ESR (0.025Ω typical) and high capacitance density. The chip-type package is compatible with standard pick-and-place assembly processes and reflow soldering.
This capacitor is rated for 2,000 hours at 105°C and features an operating temperature range of -55°C to +105°C. The PCA series is specifically designed for portable electronics where space is at a premium and high capacitance is required.
Product Series
PCA
Primary Application
Smartphone power management
Key Features
- High capacitance (470uF) in compact 5mm package
- Low ESR (0.025Ω) for efficient filtering
- Chip-type SMD package for automated assembly
- Wide temperature range -55°C to +105°C
- Compatible with lead-free reflow soldering
- High capacitance density
- RoHS compliant and halogen-free
Specifications
| Capacitance | 470uF ±20% |
|---|---|
| Voltage Rating | 6.3V DC |
| Temperature Range | -55°C to +105°C |
| Ripple Current | 2.8A @ 100kHz |
| ESR | 0.025Ω @ 100kHz |
| Lifetime | 2000 hours @ 105°C |
| Termination | SMD |
| Package | 5mm × 5.8mm |
| Qualification | Industrial Grade |
| Specifications | Compact, Low ESR |
Applications
Smartphone power management
Electronic system design
Tablet computer DC-DC converters
Power conversion and supply
Portable media players
Electronic system design
Digital camera power supplies
Electronic system design
Wearable electronics
Electronic system design
Mobile gaming devices
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The PCA0J471MCL1GS is my go-to capacitor for smartphone and tablet power supply designs where PCB space is extremely limited. The 470uF capacitance in a 5mm package is remarkable - equivalent ceramic capacitors would require 10-20x the board area. I've used this capacitor in numerous smartphone PMIC output filters where it provides adequate hold-up time during CPU load transients. The 0.025Ω ESR is excellent for a capacitor this compact, enabling reasonable output ripple performance. The chip-type package works well with high-speed pick-and-place equipment and standard reflow profiles. For ultra-thin tablet designs, the low 5.8mm profile is a significant advantage over taller radial capacitors. The reliability in portable applications has been excellent."
Exceptional capacitance density for space-constrained portable designs
— Michelle Wong, Senior FAE, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What reflow soldering profile is recommended for PCA series capacitors?
PCA series capacitors are compatible with standard lead-free reflow profiles: Preheat: 150-180°C for 60-120 seconds to gradually raise temperature and prevent thermal shock. Soak: 150-200°C for 60-90 seconds to activate flux and equalize temperature. Reflow: Peak temperature 245-260°C (check datasheet for specific rating) for 30-60 seconds above 217°C. Cooling: Controlled cooling at <4°C/second to prevent thermal shock. Important considerations: Maximum peak temperature must not exceed capacitor rating (typically 260°C). Do not exceed 10 seconds above 250°C. Use nitrogen atmosphere if possible for better wetting. Allow capacitors to cool to room temperature before handling. For double-sided boards, consider using adhesive to secure capacitors during second-side reflow. Always consult the specific datasheet for exact temperature limits.
Follow standard lead-free reflow profiles while respecting maximum temperature limits in the datasheet.
How does the PCA series compare to ceramic capacitors for mobile applications?
PCA series conductive polymer vs ceramic capacitors for mobile applications: Capacitance Density: PCA provides 10-50x higher capacitance per unit volume. A 470uF PCA occupies similar space to 10uF ceramic. DC Bias: PCA capacitance is stable with applied voltage; ceramic capacitance drops 50-80% at rated voltage. Temperature Stability: PCA maintains capacitance across temperature; ceramic varies significantly (X5R: ±15%, Y5V: +22/-82%). ESR: High-capacitance ceramics often have higher ESR than PCA at frequencies above 100kHz. Cost: PCA costs more per uF but may be cheaper for equivalent effective capacitance considering DC bias. Acoustic Noise: Ceramics can produce audible noise due to piezoelectric effect; PCA is silent. Reliability: PCA has predictable wear-out; ceramics can fail short. Selection: Use PCA for bulk capacitance needs (>100uF effective); use ceramics for high-frequency decoupling (<10uF). Many designs use both - ceramics at the IC, PCA for bulk storage.
Use PCA for bulk capacitance; use ceramics for high-frequency decoupling. Many designs benefit from both.