KEMET Introduces ArcShield™ Technology for High Voltage Commercial and Automotive Applications

GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 15, 2011 -- KEMET Corporation (NYSE: KEM), a leading manufacturer of tantalum, ceramic, aluminum, film, paper and electrolytic capacitors, today introduced its patent-pending ArcShield capacitor technology for use in high voltage applications susceptible to surface arcing (arc-over discharge).

"KEMET ArcShield High Voltage capacitors are primarily suited for applications, such as automotive, that meet or exceed 500V with exposure to high humidity environments. Conditions such as these promote surface arcing in MLCCs," said Dr. Phil Lessner, KEMET Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Scientist. "ArcShield devices inhibit surface arc-over discharge, thereby preventing damage to the capacitor and surrounding components on a printed circuit board."

Surface arcing is generally caused by a high voltage gradient between the MLCC's termination surfaces or between one termination surface and the component's internal electrode structure. This phenomenon can either damage surrounding components or lead to a breakdown of the MLCC's dielectric material, ultimately leading to a short-circuit condition (catastrophic failure mode).

"ArcShield technology features a unique, robust internal shield electrode system that suppresses arc-over while increasing available capacitance," said Bill Sloka, KEMET Specialty Product Manager. "This system offers unrivaled performance and reliability when compared to external surface coating technologies."

For added reliability, KEMET's Flexible Termination technology is an available option that provides superior flex performance over standard termination systems. This technology was developed to address flex cracks, which are the primary failure mode of MLCCs and typically the result of excessive tensile and shear stresses produced during board flexure and thermal cycling. Flexible Termination technology inhibits the transfer of board stress to the rigid body of the MLCC, therefore mitigating flex cracks which can result in low IR or short circuit failures.

ArcShield High Voltage MLCCs are also available in automotive grade, which undergo stricter testing protocol and inspection criteria. Whether under-hood or in-cabin, these devices are designed for mission and safety-critical automotive circuits or applications requiring proven, reliable performance in harsh environments.

Typical markets include power supply, LCD fluorescent backlight ballasts, HID lighting, telecom equipment, industrial and medical equipment/control, LAN/WAN interface, analog and digital modems, and automotive. Typical applications include switch mode power supplies (input filters, resonators, tank circuits, snubber circuits, output filters), high voltage coupling and DC blocking, lighting ballasts, voltage multiplier circuits, DC/DC converters and coupling capacitors in 'C'uk converters.

Technical Information

ArcShield (patent-pending) technology
Base metal electrode (BME) dielectric system
Industry-leading CV values
Pb-Free and RoHS compliant
X7R dielectric (Temperature Characteristic = +/-15% from -55 degrees C to +125 degrees C)
EIA 0805, 1206, 1210, 1808, 1812 case sizes
DC voltage ratings of 500V, 630V, 1KV
Capacitance offerings ranging from 2200pF – 0.33uF
Available capacitance tolerances of +/-5%, +/-10% and +/-20%
Non-polar device, minimizing installation concerns
Low ESR and ESL
100% pure matte tin-plated termination finish allowing for excellent solderability
SnPb plated termination finish option available upon request (5% min)
Commercial and Automotive (AEC-Q200) grades available
Flexible termination option available upon request

Glossary

CV - Capacitance/Voltage

EIA - Electronic Industries Alliance

ESR - Equivalent Series Resistance

ESL - Equivalent Series Inductance

MLCC - Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor

RoHS - Restriction of Hazardous Substances

SMD - Surface Mount Device

About KEMET

KEMET's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "KEM." At the Investor Relations section of our web site at KEMET.com/IR, users may subscribe to KEMET news releases and find additional information about our Company. KEMET applies world class service and quality to deliver industry leading, high performance capacitance solutions to its customers around the world and offers the world's most complete line of surface mount and through-hole capacitor technologies across tantalum, ceramic, film, aluminum, electrolytic, and paper dielectrics.

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