Notes Regarding the Use of Tantalum Chip Capacitors

When Using the Capacitors (Circuit Design)
1.	Check the rated performance. After confirming the use environment and the electronic product's installation environment, be sure to use the components within the rated performance of the specifications. There is a failure rate set for the tantalum chip capacitors. Design a circuit matching this failure rate. The failure rate can be reduced by controlling the applied voltage, and applied temperature, and by controlling the inrush current by inserting a resistor.
2.	Do not exceed the rated voltage. The rated voltage is the maximum value of the peak voltage (the sum of the AC peak value and the DC voltage) that can be applied to the capacitor for the upper-limit temperature for the category (the rated maximum use temperature). The voltage used must not exceed the rated voltage. If the temperature exceeds 85°C, do not exceed the reduced voltage limit. From the perspective of reliability, the applied voltage should be within the reduced voltage limit. In particular, if the capacitor is used in a low impedance circuit, the applied voltage should be held to less than 1/2 the rated voltage, or if possible, less than 1/3 the rated voltage.
3.	Do not exceed the recommended temperature range. The capacitor should only be used within the recommended temperature range. If the capacitor is used at temperatures in excess of 85°C, do not apply a voltage in excess of the reduced voltage limit. From the perspective of reliability, low temperatures are beneficial. When there is internal heating within the capacitor due to factors such as ripple currents, take into consideration the increase in temperature caused by the internal heating.
4.	Be wary of large transient electrical currents. In circuits such as power supply circuits, using low-impedance circuits engenders the possibility of an increased failure rate due to large inrush currents. Be wary of the following:
	(1)	If the power supply impedance is low when viewed from the capacitor's perspective, the large transient current may cause the capacitor to short. Also, this transient current could cause an increase in the leakage current upon applied power. A minimum resistance of 3/V should be inserted in the circuit.
	(2)	When in use, the maximum voltage should be reduced adequately (to less than 1/3 of the rated voltage). Voltage abatement will reduce the failure rate by controlling the inrush current.
5.	Beware of ripple voltages. The ripple handling capabilities of tantalum chip capacitors are determined by the heat loss of the capacitor element and the heat dissipation factor of the external case. A large amount of heat will be generated internally if the tolerance values are exceeded, possibly causing failures. Be sure that the sum of the DC voltage and the peak value of the ripple voltage does not exceed the rated voltage. Also, be certain to provide a bias voltage. This will prevent the peak value of the ripple voltage from causing the voltage across the capacitor to reverse.
6.	Do not apply a reverse voltage across the capacitor. Tantalum chip capacitors have inherent polarities. Applying a voltage with a reverse polarity may destroy the capacitor.
7.	Be aware of the frequency characteristics. The capacitance and the tangent of the loss angle for tantalum chip capacitors are normally measured at 120 Hz. Be wary of the frequency characteristics during the design process. Since there are differences between the characteristics of film capacitors and ceramic capacitors, use caution when substituting one for the other, especially in high-frequency domains.

Mounting (Installing) the Capacitor
1.	Install the capacitor only after confirming the rated voltage, capacitance, and polarity.
2.	Do not attempt to cut or modify the outer covering of the capacitor for conformance. (For example, constraints in mounting space.)
3.	Do not apply excessive force to the capacitor or to the leads, etc. When chip products require a chip mounter, be wary of the applied pressure on the product by such things as vacuum tools. The set position for the vacuum tools will be extremely low if the chip capacitors are used on the same board with chip components with a height of 1mm or less. This will cause the tool to apply excessive forces to the capacitors, which could cause open circuits or cracks.
4.	Do not use capacitors that have been dropped.
5.	Do not attempt to reuse capacitors after removing a capacitor that has been mounted elsewhere.
6.	Do not use inappropriate testers with the capacitor. Inappropriate use of testing equipment may apply excessive current or reversed voltages to the capacitors.

Soldering the Capacitors
1.	Ensure that soldering conditions are within the ranges stipulated in the catalog or in the delivery specifications. From the perspective of reliability, it is critical that the soldering is accomplished at the lowest possible temperature and for the shortest amount of time that is required to make the contact.
2.	The post-solder clean should be done quickly to ensure no residual flux or remaining acid or alkali.
3.	Avoid ultrasonic cleaning. If ultrasonic cleaning is unavoidable, do so only after thoroughly confirming that there will not be any problems after the actual use conditions are applied.

Problems During Use
1.	Do not touch the capacitor directly when it is used in a product. The contact may cause electrical shock. Do not expose the capacitor to conductive solvents such as acids or alkalis. This exposure may cause shorts between the circuits or across the capacitor.
2.	Immediately turn off the main equipment power supply if smoke or an unusual order is noticed during the electronic product's usage.
3.	Flammable gases, such as from the resin on the outer coating, will be produced if the capacitor is incinerated. Incineration will also produce decomposed gasses. Please stay away during the incineration process.

Storage
1.	Store at room temperature with normal humidity in a clean location (where the temperature does not exceed 40(C and the relative humidity does not exceed 70%). Storage in a high temperature/high humidity location will make it substantially more difficult to solder the components. Capacitors should be stored in their packaging.
2.	Avoid direct sunlight exposure.
3.	Do not store in a manner where excessive force is applied to the components.
4.	Avoid storing the components in the workplace.
5.	The packaging materials will also deteriorate during long-term storage. This will be particularly apparent in the taping material. Components should be used within a year after purchase.

Transportation

Handle with care to prevent droppage onto the shelves or floor. The tantalum chip capacitors are solid state and their reliability levels may be compromised by excessive vibration or shock.

Disposal

Dispose of tantalum chip capacitors as industrial waste.

Other

Along with these notes and precautions, please also read and understand the following:

The Electronics Industry Association of Japan, Technical Report EIAJ RCR-2368A "Cautions and Guidelines for Using Solid-State Tantalum Solid Electrolyte Capacitors for Electronic Instruments," Established March, 1995, revised May, 1998.