TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) presents ModCapTM HF, a modular capacitor concept for DC link applications that is able to work at very high switching frequencies. The six newly developed power capacitors of the B25647A* series are available for rated voltages from 900 V to 1600 V and cover a capacitance spectrum from 640 µF to 1850 µF. Depending on the type, the rated currents range from 160 A to 210 A with a maximum permitted hot spot temperature of 90 °C.

One of the well-established key requirements in solar inverters is their high efficiency. But also, their costs, size and weight are subject to continuous improvements. One approach to better fulfil all these demanding requirements simultaneously is the use of multilevel topologies.
The main advantages of switching between multiple voltage levels are lower voltage stress for the semiconductors and lower ripple stress for the power chokes.
This means that lower-voltage semiconductors can be used, which are typically cheaper.
Lower ripple stress for the chokes makes smaller and thereby lighter and cheaper choke designs possible.
The flying capacitor topology is a multilevel topology, that is an interesting choice especially for (but not limited to) the booster stage of a solar inverter. As its name implies, it needs a capacitor as a key element. This article describes and compares possible TDK solutions therefor.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents the B3271*H* series, new EPCOS film capacitors for DC link applications that feature high energy and power density. The capacitors are rated for voltages from 500 V DC to 1600 V DC, offer capacitance values from 0.47 µF to 170 µF and are suitable for a maximum operating temperature of up to 105 °C. At a rated voltage and operating temperature of 70 °C, the typical life of the rugged, self-healing and RoHS-compliant capacitors is 95,000 hours.

The installed capacity of renewable energies has been increasing exponentially in the last decades. In the coming years the development of new projects will be accelerated driven by global warming and independence from fossil energies.
Wind power and photovoltaic systems are based on powerful AC-DC and DC-AC converters. They require reliable power capacitors for AC filtering and voltage stabilization in the DC link circuits. TDK offers a complete portfolio of power capacitors customized for these issues with a wide range of voltages and capacitances.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) has added the B32354S* series to its portfolio of metalized EPCOS polypropylene (MKP) capacitors for filter applications. The new devices, which feature a 4-pin design and a pitch of 52.5 mm, are rated for VRMS of 275 V AC or 350 V AC and cover a capacitance range from 10 μF to 40 μF. The maximum operating temperature is 85 °C.

High energy, reliable and volumetric efficient inverters are essential to reducing emissions of vehicles based on 48 V technology. DC-link capacitors can significantly contribute to this target by reducing parasitic losses and increasing thermal efficiency. High inverter powers can be theoretically achieved with multiple capacitor connections. However, a high number of parallel-connected parts also increase the complexity of the system stability. In the field of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors, the Hybrid Polymer technology offers higher ripple current densities by a factor of, e.g., 5x compared to standard Liquid Electrolyte technology. By applying the Hybrid Polymer technology to the large axial capacitor can sizes, with solid mechanical construction and special thermal dissipation feature, a compact DC-link solution with a reduced amount of capacitor and minimized thermal escalation risk through stable and efficient thermal design can be achieved.

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) introduces PhaseCap® Energy Plus, two new series of EPCOS PFC capacitors. The B25674C* series is gas-impregnated and covers a voltage range from 230 V AC to 690 V AC and offers compensation ratings from 5 kvar to 33.1 kvar, depending on the type. The B25675C* series capacitors are impregnated with a biodegradable resin and are rated for voltages from 230 V AC to 1000 V AC, with compensation ratings of up to 60 kvar.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents a new series of EPCOS MKP-Y2 capacitors for interference suppression. In contrast to conventional models designed for a maximum operating temperature of 110 °C, the new capacitors offer a maximum permissible operating temperature of 125 °C. The B3202*H/J series’ capacitance ranges from 1 nF to 1 µF with a maximum rated voltage of 300 V AC. The capacitors are certified according to IEC 60384-14:2013/AMD1:2016 and approved according to AEC-Q200D, UL, and EN. Depending on the capacitance, the products are available in lead spacing of 10 mm (B32021H/J*), 15 mm (B32022H/J*), 22.5 mm (B32023H/J*), and 27.5 mm (B32024H/J*) and 37.5 mm (B32026H/J). The housing, for example potting material, corresponds to UL94V-0.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) has expanded its tried-and-tested range of CeraLink capacitors. Previously, only large, ready-to-fit sizes were available. Now, smaller versions with the classic chip design are included in the portfolio in order to increase the areas of application. The new portfolio starts with the EIA 2220 size, measuring 5.7 x 5 x 1.4 mm, is intended for 500 V, and offers a capacitance of 250 nF with very low parasitic coefficients. The new capacitors with the ordering code B58043* are available with both standard and soft termination. TDK will add further designs and voltage classes in the future.