Polymer capacitors (usually referring to solid-state polymer electrolytic capacitors) are widely used in various high-performance scenarios due to their unique electrical characteristics. Here are some typical and important application scenarios that demonstrate their core advantages:
Digital core power supply and high-frequency filtering (CPU/GPU/FPGA/ASIC power decoupling)
Scenario description: Modern high-performance processors, graphics card chips, programmable logic devices, and other digital core chips have low operating voltages (often below 1V), extremely high operating frequencies (up to GHz), and extremely large current transients (di/dt).
Why do we need polymer capacitors
Extremely low ESR: This is the most crucial advantage. The equivalent series resistance of polymer capacitors is usually much lower than that of traditional liquid electrolytic capacitors (up to milliohms). When the current of the chip fluctuates dramatically in an instant, the extremely low ESR can minimize the voltage drop (I ESR) generated by the capacitor itself, ensuring that the voltage ripple (Ripple) and voltage drop (Droop) of the power rail are minimized, ensuring stable operation of the chip and preventing crashes or data errors.
Excellent high-frequency characteristics: Low ESR also means that effective capacitance and low impedance can be maintained at very high frequencies (up to hundreds of kHz or even MHz), effectively filtering out high-frequency switching noise and electromagnetic interference generated during chip operation.
High ripple current capability: able to withstand large ripple currents at high frequencies, meeting the instantaneous high power consumption requirements of processors.
Efficient Switching Power Supply (SMPS) Output Filter
Scenario description: Switching power supplies that require high efficiency and low noise output, such as computer motherboard VRM, server power supply, high-end graphics card power supply module, laptop adapter, communication equipment power supply, etc.
Why do we need polymer capacitors
Low ESR&Low Loss: The low ESR of the output filtering capacitor directly reduces the power loss (I ² R loss) of the power supply on the capacitor, improving the overall conversion efficiency of the power supply, especially in high current output. Low loss also means that the capacitor generates less heat on its own.
Low output ripple voltage: Low ESR reduces the ripple voltage generated by the switching frequency ripple current of the switching power supply on the capacitor, providing a cleaner DC output and facilitating stable operation of downstream loads.
High ripple current tolerance: able to stably handle high-frequency and large ripple currents output by switching power supplies.
Longer lifespan: Compared to liquid electrolytic capacitors, polymer capacitors have a longer lifespan in high-temperature environments, improving the long-term reliability of the power supply.
Industrial/automotive electronics with high reliability and long lifespan requirements
Scenario description: Industrial automation control board, automotive engine control unit, transmission control unit, advanced driving assistance system, core power supply for in car infotainment system, etc. These environments typically have large temperature fluctuations, frequent vibrations, high reliability requirements, and a lifespan of up to 10 or even 15 years.
Why do we need polymer capacitors
Excellent high temperature resistance: Solid polymer electrolytes are not easily dried up or evaporated, and their lifespan at high temperatures (such as 105 ° C or even 125 ° C) is much better than that of liquid electrolytic capacitors.
Good anti vibration performance: Solid state structures are less prone to internal structural damage or performance degradation due to physical vibrations.
Low ESR brings low heat generation: further enhancing reliability in closed high-temperature environments.
Long lifespan: Meet the requirements of automobiles and industrial equipment for an extended service life. The application of core controllers related to the "three electric" system (battery, motor, and electronic control) in automobiles is increasing day by day.
High density circuit boards with limited space
Scenario description: The internal space of ultra-thin laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearable devices, miniaturized communication modules, and other devices is extremely valuable.
Why do we need polymer capacitors
Small size&high capacitance/volume ratio: Polymer capacitor technology is constantly developing, which can provide high capacitance values in relatively small packaging sizes (such as patch type), meeting the dual requirements of space and capacity for miniaturized devices.
Low ESR&High Frequency Performance: Even with a small size, its excellent low ESR and high frequency performance can still meet the power supply needs of the core chip, reducing the required number or volume of capacitors.
Low noise, high-precision analog circuit
Scenario description: Sensitive analog circuit components of high-end audio equipment (DAC, amplifier power supply/coupling), precision measuring instruments, and medical equipment (such as imaging devices and monitors).
Why do we need polymer capacitors
Low dielectric absorption&low leakage current: Although it may not be as good as some thin film capacitors, polymer capacitors typically have smaller dielectric absorption effects and leakage currents compared to liquid electrolytic capacitors. This is beneficial for applications that require high fidelity signal transmission and precise charge retention, such as sample and hold circuits and precision integration circuits.
Low ESR&Low Noise: Provides clean power rails and signal paths, helping to reduce background noise, improve signal signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy. It can reduce audio distortion in audio coupling or bypass applications.
Summarize the correspondence between key characteristics and applicable scenarios:
Extremely low ESR: It is the core competitiveness of polymer capacitors. It directly solves the core problems of high-frequency high current transient response, power ripple suppression, and power loss reduction. Suitable for all scenarios with strict requirements for power quality and efficiency (digital core power supply, switch mode power supply output filtering).
Excellent high-frequency characteristics: an extension of low ESR. Suitable for high-frequency noise filtering (digital circuits, switching power supplies).
High ripple current capability: supports its stable operation in high current, high switching frequency applications (CPU/GPU power supply, switching power supply).
High temperature resistance, long lifespan, and high reliability: making it the preferred choice for applications in harsh environments (high temperature, vibration) and with long lifecycle requirements (automotive, industrial, medical).
Small size, high capacity density: meets the space constraints of portable and miniaturized electronic devices.
Low leakage current/dielectric absorption (relative advantage): Provides a better choice than liquid electrolytes in high-precision simulation, audio, and other scenarios that require signal fidelity.
In summary, polymer capacitors have become indispensable components in high-performance, high reliability, and miniaturized electronic devices, especially in key areas such as core power filtering and decoupling, and high-efficiency power conversion, due to their excellent low ESR, high-frequency performance, high reliability, and long lifespan.