What is a capacitor array?
Capacitor networks or arrays are devices of two or more capacitors in a single surface, through-hole or chassis mount package. The capacitors may be isolated from each other or connected in a bussed circuit type.
Yageo 4-capacitor arrays with lead-free terminations consist of a rectangular block of ceramic dielectric in which several interleaved metal electrodes are contained. This structure gives rise to a high capacitance per unit volume. The inner electrodes are connected to the two end terminations and finally covered with a layer of plated tin (NiSn). The terminations are lead-free.
The arrays occupy less than half the board space of equivalent discrete components, with high volumetric efficiency.
Kemet’s CA (Commercial and Automotive Grade) series of capacitor arrays have a COG dielectric and operate from 10 -200VDC.
These capacitor arrays use an advanced passive technology, where multiple capacitor elements are integrated into one common monolithic structure. Array technology promotes reduced placement costs and increased throughput. This is achieved by alternatively placing one device rather than two or four discrete devices. Use of capacitor arrays also saves board space, which translates into increased board density and more functions per board. Arrays consume only a portion of the space required for standard chips, resulting in savings in inventory and pick/place machine positions.
For added reliability, KEMET's Flexible Termination technology has been incorporated in order to provide superior flex performance. This technology was developed to address flex cracks, which are the primary failure mode of MLCCs and typically the result of excessive tensile and shear stresses produced during board flexure and thermal cycling. Flexible Termination technology inhibits the transfer of board stress to the rigid body of the MLCC, therefore mitigating flex cracks which can result in low IR or short circuit failures.
