Since almost a decade, supercapacitors (SC) were identified as promising high-power sources as they can bridge the gap between capacitors and batteries. SC have been found to be potentially attractive for several space power applications. ESA has conducted several activities for developing supercapacitors for space applications. In this paper, an overview of identified space applications for SC will be provided, the conclusions of recent...

Using polymer tantalum capacitors in Hi-Rel systems requires an assessment of the reliability characteristics of the parts. For this assessment, tantalum capacitors are typically subjected to reliability testing at temperatures and voltages exceeding their specified values, and the failure rate (FR) — or the probability of failure during use conditions — is calculated based on voltage and temperature acceleration factors. In this work, various...

Cracks in MLCC ceramic capacitor are, unfortunately, a well know phenomena that can depend to several factors. It is believed to reduce the reliability of the capacitor leading to catastrophic failure like short circuit. When cracked capacitors are found in space projects the usual practice is to replace the defective parts and/or to solve the root cause of the problem as for example by...

The reliability and failure modes in surface mount Solid Electrolytic and Polymer Tantalum capacitors were investigated using the parts manufactured with conventional technology and flawless technology (F-Tech) that suppresses typical defects such as crystalline inclusions in the amorphous matrix of the tantalum oxide dielectric. The paper was presented by Yuri Freeman, KEMET Electronics Corporation. USA at the 3rd PCNS 7-10th September 2021, Milano, Italy...

Selection of electrolytic capacitors is mainly based on their reliability. Beside this property, the evaluation of environmental performances of such devices is crucial due to their wide dissemination and utilization of critical raw materials for their production. Starting from the environmental analysis of the stages of selection and supply of raw materials, it is possible to improve the sustainability of the manufacturing process of...