Yageo KEMET Open Mode Design (FO-CAP) X7R dielectric series

Yageo KEMET’s Ceramic Open Mode capacitor in X7R dielectric is designed to significantly minimize the probability of a low IR or short circuit condition when forced to failure in a board stress flex situation, thus reducing the potential for catastrophic failure. The Open Mode capacitor may experience a drop in capacitance; however, a short is unlikely because a crack will not typically propagate across counter electrodes within the device’s “active area.” Since there will not be any current leakage associated with a typical Open Mode flex crack, there is no localized heating and therefore little chance for a catastrophic and potentially costly failure event.

Driven by the demand for a more robust and reliable component, the Open Mode capacitor was designed for critical applications where higher operating temperatures and mechanical stress are a concern. These capacitors are widely used in automotive circuits as well as power supplies (input and output filters) and general electronic applications.

Concerned with flex cracks resulting from excessive tensile and shear stresses produced during board flexure and thermal cycling? These devices are available with KEMET's Flexible termination technology which inhibits the transfer of board stress to the rigid ceramic body, therefore mitigating flex cracks which can result in low IR or short circuit failures. Although flexible termination technology does not eliminate the potential for mechanical damage that may propagate during extreme environmental and handling conditions, it does provide superior flex performance over standard termination systems. When combined with flexible termination technology these devices offer the ultimate level of protection against a low IR or short circuit condition. Open Mode devices compliment KEMET's Floating Electrode (FE-CAP) and Floating Electrode with Flexible Termination (FF-CAP) product lines by providing a fail-safe design optimized for mid to high range capacitance values. These devices exhibit a predictable change in capacitance with respect to time and voltage and boast a minimal change in capacitance with reference to ambient temperature. Capacitance change is limited to ±15% from −55°C to +125°C.

Features

• From −55°C to +125°C operating temperature range
• Open mode/fail open design
• Mid to high capacitance flex mitigation
• Lead (Pb)-free, RoHS and REACH compliant
• EIA 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210 and 1812 case sizes
• DC voltage ratings of 16V, 25V, 50V, 100V and 200V
• Capacitance offerings ranging from 1000pF to 6.8μF
• Available capacitance tolerances of ±5%, ±10%, and ±20%
• Non-polar device, minimizing installation concerns
• 100% pure matte tin-plated termination finish allowing for excellent solderability 
• Commercial and Automotive (AEC–Q200) grades available
• SnPb termination finish option available upon request (5% Pb minimum)
• Flexible termination option available upon request

Applications

Typical applications include input side filtering (power plane/bus), high current (battery line) and circuits that cannot be fused to open when short circuits occur due to flex cracks. Markets include automotive applications that are directly connected to the battery and/or involve conversion to a 42V system and raw power input side filtering in power conversion.