TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) has expanded its line of CeraLink capacitor series B58043 in the EIA 2220 footprint by adding two new 900 V types – one with standard termination (B58043I9563M052) and one with soft termination (B58043E9563M052). As electric vehicles with 800 V battery voltage are becoming more popular, these new components are obvious candidates because their optimal operating point is exactly at this voltage. While the existing 500 V CeraLink series is aimed at 400 V inverters equipped with gallium nitride (GaN) transistors or silicon MOSFETs, the new 900 V parts with a withstanding voltage of more than 1 kV are targeted at 800 V inverters equipped with silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs or silicon IGBTs.

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) 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.

As the electrification of the automotive progresses, the demand for motor generators is on the rise. There is also a trend towards integration of electric motors and inverters, and the requirements with regard to compact dimensions and resistance against heat and vibrations are becoming ever more severe, while high reliability is also an important factor. In some cases, wiring inductance can lead to high surge voltages which requires countermeasures such as suitable wiring design and snubber capacitors. At the same time, noise countermeasures are also essential.

Industry 4.0 is being shaped by the continuing rise in the degree of automation, by the digitalization that includes the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and by high levels of energy efficiency. In this respect, TDK presents a wide range of innovative EPCOS and TDK key components.

capacitors with CeraLink FA types in modular flex-assembly technology. This space-saving design connects two, three or ten identical capacitors in parallel over the same terminals in order to increase the capacitance.