Component maker KYOCERA AVX has released miniature, high-CV stacked X7R capacitors for high-reliability military, aerospace and space applications.

The DSCC 25007 Mini BME stacks are equipped with base metal electrodes (BMEs) and subjected to 100% Group A testing for use in satellites and satellite launchers, military missiles and aircraft, and input and output filtering circuits in power supplies.

Designed to satisfy the growing need for compact and lightweight high-CV SMT capacitors in extreme operating conditions and harsh environments, the fully-tested and traceable stacks are based on its MIL-PRF-32535 X7R capacitors.

The series features two horizontally stacked X7R multilayer ceramic chip capacitors (MLCCs) in an EIA 2220 package that conserves board space, exhibits high-CV performance, and allows design engineers to downsize from currently available components. It also exhibits low ESR, low impedance, high current handling capabilities, and higher shock and vibration resistance than larger, heavier stacked capacitors.

Additional features include various lead frames: standard two-foot J and L styles and paddle, or single bar foot, J and L styles optimised for improved vibration resistance, all equipped with tin-lead plating.

The initial release of the stacks is rated for operating temperatures from -55 to +125˚C and available with three voltage ratings (25, 50 and 100V) and nine capacitance values from 8.2 to 47µF ±20% tolerance.

“We’re very excited to release the new DSCC Mini BME stacks, as they’re engineered to solve design challenges that a growing number of our aerospace and defence industry customers have been wrestling with for the past few years, so they’re currently unique to market — the one component capable of delivering what they need,” said Michael Conway, senior product marketing manager at KYOCERA AVX (www.kyocera-avx.com). “Thanks to their compact and lightweight stacked form factor equipped with BME technology, these mini stacks deliver an unparalleled combination of high-reliability, high-capacitance and high-voltage performance and substantial space and weight savings.”

He said when compared with an equivalent 100V, 10µF part with precious metal electrodes (PMEs), they’re approximately a ninth the weight and a sixth the volume.

“And component weight directly impacts things like aircraft operating costs, satellite launch costs, and missile performance and operating costs, so, this is huge,” said Conway. “The new DSCC Mini BME stacks also come standard with 100% Group A testing and, since they utilise the inserts from our proven M32535 line, they are fully traceable as well, which satisfies another common request for our aerospace and defence industry customers.”

The stacks (www.kyocera-avx.com/products/ceramic-capacitors/surface-mount/militaryaerospace/dscc-25007/) are manufactured in a DLA approved, MIL-PRF-32535 qualified facility and are fully traceable and subjected to rigorous testing to ensure reliability and performance in extreme conditions and harsh environments, specifically 100% Group A testing or 100% Groups A and B testing for especially demanding designs with T-level requirements. Parts ship in waffle pack, tape and reel, or two-chip packaging.

Future expansions to the series will include a three-chip horizontal stack projected to launch early next year followed by parts with three to ten vertically stacked chips.

• KYOCERA AVX is exhibiting at this week’s Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (www.tadte.com.tw). The firm’s antenna sivision is joining long-term partner Anritsu (www.anritsu.com) on stand K0004 to present the latest antennas, covering satellite communications (Iridium, GNSS), non-terrestrial networks (NTN L-Band) and ultra-wideband (UWB) precision positioning.