
KEMET Electronics Corporation, P.O. Box 5928, Greenville, SC 29606 (864) 963-6300
Performance Characteristics
Base Multiplier:
The first multiplier is the base multi-
plier (2) established for the capacitor type. For “CLR”
“Tantalum Non-solid electrolyte” the base multiplier is
0.00040.
Temperature:
The temperature factor is given as (3).
From this formula, it can be seen that the unity factor,
or 1, is derived at an ambient temperature of +25°C
(+298°K), and that at temperatures below this the mul-
tiplier is decreasing and at temperatures above this the
multiplier is increasing.
Voltage:
The multiplier for application voltage (4) is a
two step process: first, the application voltage is com-
pared to 60% of rated voltage, and then this ratio is
raised to an exponential power of 17 and added to
unity. Consider applications of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%
and 90% of rated voltage. The multipliers for these
applications would be 1.045, 2.00, 14.7, 134, and 986,
respectively. From these results it is evident why man-
ufacturers recommend application voltages not to
exceed 50% rated voltages.
Capacitance:
There is a factor (5) applied to the
capacitance (in
μ
F) which effectively increases the fail-
ure rate for increasing capacitance (increases in effec-
tive area resulting in increases in possible faults).
Environmental:
The environmental factor is determined
by the harshness of the ambient conditions beyond tem-
perature. An explanation of these ratings is included in
the MIL specification and are too extensive to be cov-
ered here. In most cases, this factor is set to ground
benign or G
B
, with the resulting factor equal to “1”.
Figure 6. MIL-HDBK-217F Notice 2 formulas.
Quality Factor:
All of these multipliers are applied to the
established or base failure rate of the part. The CLR
Series is qualified under U.S. military specification MIL-
PRF-39006. Failure rates as low as 0.001% kHr are
available under this test program.
For series not covered by military specifications, an
internal sampling program is operated by KEMET
Quality Assurance whereby parts are put on life test at
rated voltage for 2000 hours. The confidence level cho-
sen for the reporting data is 60%. )The cost of sampling
each batch would be prohibitive, and no claim is made to
quarantee the failure rate of each batch.) With this test-
ing and each new qualification test for new parts, the
average failure rate for all commercial Series lies
between 0.1% and 1.0% per thousand-piece-hours.
Fit Calculator
All of these factors are gathered into a Windows
based software, available free from the KEMET web site
(www.kemet.com). The “FIT Calculator” software does
all the calculations and look-ups based on information
entered or selected by the operator. A manual may also
be downloaded from the same web page to explain the
controls and displays. The Manual as well as a help
screen also detail the environmental conditions.
17.Environmental Consideration
It is not possible to foresee all the conditions to
which capacitors may be subjected. Following is a list of
standard tests which each Series will survive. Data may
be available (upon request) under more severe stresses
for certain Series.
Life Test 85°C or 125°C, 2000 Hours;
when
subjected to 2000 hours at 85°C at full rated DC
voltage, or 125°C at 2/3 of 85°C voltage, the
capacitor shall meet the following requirements
when tested at 25°C.
- The DCL shall be within 1.25 times the initial
DCL limit.
- Capacitance shall be within limits specified in
MIL-PRF-39006.
Low Temperature (Storage) per MIL-PRF-
39006.
Post test of capacitor shall meet the following
requirements when tested at 25°C:
- The DCL shall be within the initial DCL limit.
- Capacitance shall be within limits in MIL-PRF-
39006.
- The DF shall not exceed the initial limit.
Lead Strength MIL-STD-202 Method 211:
Pull
test will be performed as in MIL-STD-202,
Method 211. The following details and excep-
tions shall apply.
a. Test condition letter - A
b. The body of the capacitor will be securely
clamped during test.
c. Applied force - 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
d. Duration of applied force: 30 seconds
Vibration; High Frequency: Per MIL-STD-202,
Method 204, Condition D, 10 Hz to 2000 Hz.
a. Mounting - Capacitors shall be mounted on a
fixture by the body. Leads shall be supported
by rigidly supported terminals
b. Electrical load conditions - During the test, the
specified DC rated voltage shall be applied to
the capacitors.
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