Ugprades for aluminum electrolytic capacitors boost frequency, lower impedance

Companies are also developing units with a longer service life, broader temperature range and compact designs.
High-frequency, low-impedance models are defining R&D trends in mainland China’s aluminum electrolytic capacitors industry. Makers are developing units exceeding 100kHz, at least 10 times what current variants support. They are pushing down the impedance to below 1.8 from 3mohm. Many companies are gearing up to close the gap with Taiwan and Hong Kong counterparts that have introduced 0.1mohm and even 50μohm types.
Businesses are likewise extending the life span and operating temperature range, especially for versions targeted at car audio systems and power supplies for electric and hybrid vehicles. Wuxi Antang Technology Electronics Co. Ltd is manufacturing such components specifically for automotive audio equipment. It ships all output to the US, Europe and South America.
Makers are extending the service life to 8,000 or more than 10,000hr as opposed to the current 1,000 to 5,000hr supported by most releases. As for the operating temperature, companies are setting their sights on 125 C, an improvement from the -40 to 85, 25 to 85 and -25 to 105 C of existing units.
Compact capacitors are rising in number as well. Buyers can look forward to V-chip types measuring 4 to 18mm in diameter. Axial models 4 to 10mm in diameter are also in the pipeline.
Many suppliers are hoping to expand production capacity, and toward this end are adopting advanced manufacturing and testing equipment. A growing number of them are gearing up to meet ISO, RoHS and other international quality requirements.
Still others are seeking to hire new employees to address delays in fulfilling orders.
Haimen Sancon Jetwell Electronics Co. Ltd can churn out 80 million units monthly but will invest $800,000 to increase output of bolt-type capacitors. The enterprise uses capacity, voltage, drain current and loss testers, and X-ray and RoHS analyzers in its 45 lead, 12 welding pin and three bolt capacitor lines. The main export destinations are India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Russia and Turkey.
Makers see strong prospects for the line, especially amid the growing automotive industry. China’s car electronics market is forecast to expand further in the next 10 years. The government’s 12th Five-Year Plan supports the sector via credit financing and discounted export credit insurance rates, particularly for manufacturers of “new energy” vehicle technologies and other automotive systems.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, in particular, are poised for an uptick in demand. The product accounts for 34 percent of the country’s total capacitor output. China represented one -third of global sales last year, which reached $5.5 billion. This is forecast to hit $5.8 billion by end-2012.

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