electronica 2012 - 'Pro-active Stance on Passives from Syfer'

The world-wide launch of Syfer’s latest new product family, set to revolutionise the world of large-size high voltage X7R Multilayer Chip Capacitors, takes place at Electronica 2012 in Munich. Called StackiCap, these X7R devices dramatically increase the maximum capacitance values now possible in larger case sizes, thereby delivering the potential to significantly reduce printed circuit board real estate.

Syfer has developed a highly innovative patented technique (GB patent No. 1210261.2) to reduce electro-mechanical stresses in the body of the component, allowing for the consistent and reliable volume production of thicker and larger size devices.

The first parts to become available in the StackiCap family will be 1812 and 2220 case sizes, with 200V to 1kV and 500 to 3kV operating voltage ranges respectively. Claiming an industry first, Syfer’s 2220 500V device features 1µF capacitance in a single chip. The 3kV part also features an impressive 33nF capacitance previously found only in the much larger 5550 case size.

Meanwhile, in the 1812 range, the 200V part also features 1µF capacitance, while the 1kV device features 150nF capacitance, previously only possible in larger size components.

The StackiCap devices are expected to appeal to designers of any high voltage products where space is at a premium and maximum capacitance is required. Typical applications include power supplies, projector modules, lighting systems and throughout the aerospace sector.

In some instances, the parts will allow for a size reduction from 8060 to 2220, providing a factor of 10 saving in board space. In addition, designers will see further benefits, including reduced component count, and lower assembly costs as devices can be supplied in standard tape and reel format.

Designed at Syfer's UK based engineering centre, the range is expected to expand up to the 8060 case size.

High voltage flashover protection
Also on show for the first time, launched just one year ago, is Syfer’s ProtectiCap process for Multilayer Chip Capacitors designed to prevent flashover in high voltage applications. Applied to its high voltage range of MLCCs, the protective coating avoids the need for the customer to apply a conformal coating after soldering.

While minimising the risk of flashover in high voltage applications, the coating has also enabled an increase in the voltage capability of standard HV devices, and provides the highest working voltages in the industry for each case size.

Aimed at applications such as power supplies, lighting ballasts, inverters/DC link, and general high voltage circuits, the X7R dielectric ProtectiCap range of MLCCs offers a capacitance range from 220pF to 33nF. Case sizes range from 1206 to 2220, and voltages available include 2kV, 2.5kV, 3kV, 4kV and 5kV.

High power EMI filtering
Alongside, for high current applications, such as IT servers, telecoms base stations, MRI room equipment, power supplies, radar and military vehicles, Syfer is showing its SL range of DC and AC feedthrough capacitors.

Rated at 100A and 200A, the devices are ideal for high power EMI filtering, with selected parts meeting the rigorous demands of EN132400 class Y2 and Y4 safety specifications. The filters are particularly targeted for use on mains supply systems or other voltage lines where safety is critical.

At the top of the range, devices include high (250V ac and 600V dc) working voltage options. Capacitance values available from 100nF to 40μF in “C” circuit and 200nF to 940nF in “Pi” circuit. Typical insertion loss in a 50ohm system with load for the mid-range 2μF part, ranges from 10dB to 90dB across the 10kHz to 1GHz frequency range.

Parlez on passives
Technical experts will be on hand at the Syfer Technology stand Hall B6 Booth 336 to discuss specific and specialist needs for passive components and EMI filtering. Custom devices are often possible if the precise part required is not in our extensive range.