TDK’s New DC-link Film Capacitors Are Rated For Up To 135° C
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TDK has announced the B3272*A/G/T series of DC-link film capacitors, rated for continuous operation at case temperatures up to 135°C. The company says the parts need no derating through 105°C and are aimed at automotive and industrial power electronics, including traction inverters and onboard chargers.

TDK has announced its B3272*A/G/T series of DC-link film capacitors, rated for continuous operation at case temperatures up to 135°C. The company says the components require no derating up to 105°C and are intended for automotive and industrial power electronics, where heat can limit the performance of compact, high-power systems.

The new series covers rated DC voltages from 800 to 1,200 volts and capacitance values from 1.0 to 60 microfarads. TDK lists two-pin and four-pin versions, with lead spacings of 27.5 mm, 37.5 mm and 52.5 mm. Maximum RMS current ranges from 3.5 to 24 amps, depending on the type; those current ratings are specified at 85°C and 10 kHz.

TDK says the capacitors use its EPN dielectric, a blend of polypropylene and cyclic olefin copolymer that the company says has been used in its ModCap UHP power capacitors. It lists xEV traction inverters, onboard chargers and automotive DC-DC converters as intended applications, along with industrial drives and high-end power supplies. The company also specifies a useful life of 100,000 hours at rated voltage and 85°C.

Among the other stated features are self-healing properties and overvoltage capability. TDK says the four-pin G versions support low-inductance busbar connections and can reduce parasitic loop area in fast-switching inverter stages. The low-profile B32726T is aimed at assemblies with limited vertical space. According to TDK, the series is AEC-Q200E qualified, RoHS-compatible, and housed in flame-retardant plastic with epoxy sealing that complies with UL 94 V-0. TDK also provides SPICE model libraries and its web-based Capacitor Life And Rating Application, or CLARA, for the series.

At a glance
announcementWhen: Announced; announcement date and produc…
The developmentTDK announced a DC-link film capacitor series designed for continuous case temperatures up to 135°C.

More Thermal Headroom in Power Electronics

A DC-link capacitor sits between a power source and the switching stage in equipment such as an inverter or charger. It helps manage the ripple current created by switching; that current also produces heat in the capacitor. Higher operating temperatures can constrain component selection, particularly in compact layouts where cooling and available space are limited.

TDK presents the 135°C case-temperature rating and no-derating range through 105°C as ways to address those thermal constraints. If the specified performance fits a particular design, engineers may have more flexibility when placing capacitors near warm components or designing equipment for higher ambient temperatures. That is a potential design benefit, not evidence by itself that a complete inverter, charger or vehicle system will run cooler or deliver higher output.

The electrical ratings and form factors also matter to designers choosing components for a specific circuit. The listed capacitance, voltage and current ranges provide options across different designs, while the four-pin connection is intended for lower-inductance layouts. Actual performance depends on the operating conditions, circuit design, cooling, and the relevant component configuration.

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How the Series Fits DC-Link Designs

Film capacitors used in power electronics are subject to electrical and thermal stresses, including heating from ripple current. The source report says polypropylene film capacitors are normally derated as temperature rises. TDK links the development of its new series to demand for higher power density, confined packaging and elevated ambient temperatures in automotive and industrial applications.

The EPN material is described by TDK as a blend of polypropylene and cyclic olefin copolymer. The company says it has already been used in its ModCap UHP power capacitors; the supplied report does not provide independent test results or comparisons with other capacitor materials. The B3272*A/G/T announcement adds a product family for DC-link uses, with differing package formats and electrical ratings to suit varied layouts.

For automotive use, TDK states that the series is AEC-Q200E qualified. That qualification and the listed material and compliance details are product specifications provided by the manufacturer; they do not replace a system designer’s assessment of suitability for a particular vehicle or application.

“The capacitors are qualified for continuous operation at case temperatures up to 135°C and require no derating up to 105°C.”

— TDK, as reported by Charged EVs

Availability and Independent Test Data

The supplied announcement does not specify when the capacitors will be available, their pricing, or which individual part numbers correspond to each voltage, capacitance and current combination. It also does not provide comparative test data showing performance against other DC-link capacitors under matched operating conditions.

The 135°C figure is a rated case temperature, not a stated ambient temperature or a guarantee that every design can operate continuously at that temperature. The source does not detail the test conditions behind the rating or explain how lifetime changes at temperatures above 85°C. Designers will need to consult the relevant datasheets and verify performance against their own electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements.

Product Data and Selection Steps

TDK lists SPICE model libraries and the CLARA capacitor-life and rating tool as resources for the series. Engineers evaluating the parts can use those tools alongside the detailed datasheets to identify suitable configurations and check ratings against expected operating conditions.

The supplied report does not state a release schedule or pricing. Further details on availability, part-specific specifications and the conditions supporting the temperature and lifetime ratings would help buyers determine when the capacitors can be designed into production systems.

Key Questions

What temperature are TDK’s new capacitors rated for?

TDK rates the B3272*A/G/T series for continuous operation at case temperatures up to 135°C. The company says no derating is required up to 105°C.

What are the capacitors designed for?

TDK lists xEV traction inverters, onboard chargers and automotive DC-DC converters, as well as industrial drives and high-end power supplies, as target applications.

What electrical ratings does the series cover?

The series spans 800 to 1,200 V DC and capacitance values of 1.0 to 60 µF. Maximum RMS current ranges from 3.5 to 24 A, specified at 85°C and 10 kHz, depending on the type.

How long do the capacitors last?

TDK lists a useful life of 100,000 hours at rated voltage and 85°C. The supplied report does not state a lifetime figure for operation at 135°C.

When will the series be available?

The supplied report does not give an availability date or pricing. Buyers will need to check with TDK or its distributors for current ordering information.

Source: rss

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