Samwha Solid Polymer Capacitors

Solid polymer capacitors offer several key advantages over traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors: 1) Ultra-low ESR - Polymer capacitors achieve ESR as low as 5-20mΩ compared to 50-500mΩ for electrolytics, resulting in lower power dissipation and better filtering, 2) Higher ripple current capability - Lower ESR allows handling 2-5x higher ripple current for the same case size, 3) Extended lifetime - No electrolyte to dry out, providing stable performance for 10+ years, 4) Better high-frequency performance - Lower impedance at frequencies above 100kHz, 5) Improved safety - No risk of electrolyte leakage or venting, 6) Wider temperature capability - Stable performance from -55°C to +105°C or +125°C, 7) Faster voltage recovery - Better transient response for CPU power applications. The main trade-off is that polymer capacitors are typically limited to lower voltages (up to 125V) and have higher cost per microfarad compared to electrolytics.

Choose solid polymer capacitors for high-frequency applications where low ESR and high ripple current are critical.

Samwha solid polymer capacitors offer industry-leading ESR performance: Small case sizes (5mm x 5.8mm): 15-25mΩ at 100kHz, Medium case sizes (6.3mm x 5.8mm): 10-18mΩ at 100kHz, Large case sizes (8mm x 11.5mm): 5-12mΩ at 100kHz. The ESR remains stable across the operating temperature range, unlike electrolytic capacitors where ESR increases significantly at low temperatures. ESR also remains stable over the capacitor's lifetime, whereas electrolytic capacitors show ESR increase as they age. The ultra-low ESR provides several benefits: Reduced power dissipation (P = I² × ESR), Improved filtering effectiveness, Better voltage regulation in DC-DC converters, Lower output ripple in power supplies. For comparison, a typical 100µF electrolytic capacitor might have 1-2Ω ESR, while a polymer capacitor of similar size has 15-25mΩ ESR - a 50-100x improvement.

Select polymer capacitors with ESR below 20mΩ for high-frequency DC-DC converters and CPU power applications.

Solid polymer capacitors excel in applications requiring low ESR and high-frequency performance: DC-DC Converters - Output filtering in buck, boost, and buck-boost converters where low ESR reduces output ripple voltage, CPU/GPU Power Supplies - VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) applications where fast transient response and low ESR are critical for stable processor operation, High-Frequency Switching Power Supplies - Applications switching above 100kHz where polymer capacitors' low impedance provides superior filtering, Telecommunications Equipment - Base stations, routers, and network equipment requiring high reliability and long lifetime, Automotive Electronics - LED drivers, ECU power supplies, and infotainment systems where high temperature and long life are required, LED Drivers - High-frequency LED drivers where low ESR improves efficiency and reduces heating. Polymer capacitors are not suitable for high-voltage applications (above 125V) or where very large capacitance values (above 1000µF) are required.

Use polymer capacitors for DC-DC converters, CPU power, and high-frequency applications below 125V.

Solid polymer capacitors offer significantly longer lifetime than traditional electrolytic capacitors: Polymer capacitors - Rated for 10,000 to 20,000 hours at 105°C or 125°C, with actual lifetime often exceeding 100,000 hours in typical operating conditions. The polymer material does not dry out or evaporate like liquid electrolyte, ensuring stable performance over time. Electrolytic capacitors - Typically rated for 2,000 to 15,000 hours depending on series and temperature rating. Lifetime is limited by electrolyte evaporation and ESR increase over time. Using the Arrhenius equation, a polymer capacitor rated 15,000 hours at 105°C can achieve 120,000+ hours at 75°C operating temperature. In practice, polymer capacitors often outlast the equipment they are installed in, making them ideal for applications where maintenance access is difficult. The stable ESR over lifetime also ensures consistent power supply performance throughout the equipment's service life.

Choose polymer capacitors for applications requiring 10+ year service life without maintenance.

Samwha solid polymer capacitors cover the following ranges: Voltage Ratings - 2.5V, 4V, 6.3V, 10V, 16V, 20V, 25V, 35V, 50V, 63V, 80V, 100V, 125V. The most common ratings are 6.3V to 35V for CPU power and DC-DC converter applications. Capacitance Values - 10µF to 1000µF depending on voltage rating. Lower voltage capacitors offer higher capacitance: 2.5V-6.3V: up to 1000µF, 10V-16V: up to 560µF, 25V-35V: up to 330µF, 50V-125V: up to 100µF. Case Sizes - Available in industry-standard surface mount sizes from 5mm x 5.8mm to 10mm x 12.5mm. The capacitance-voltage product is limited by the polymer material properties. For applications requiring higher capacitance or voltage, consider using multiple capacitors in parallel or hybrid solutions with electrolytic capacitors.

Select polymer capacitors based on your voltage and capacitance requirements. Contact FAE for custom solutions.