PASSIVE SOLUTIONS

Film Capacitors for PSUs and Lighting Ballasts

Vishay Intertechnology offers design engineers a wide range of high quality film capacitors for AC voltage and pulse applications. The new MKP 385 Series addresses the specific requirements of power supplies and electronic lighting ballasts.

The safety requirements for capacitors in pulse-loaded power electronics applications are extremely high. The key criterion in this area is the contact reliability between the leads and electrodes. Other requirements include small dimensions, economic in-process handling, low losses and an application-oriented range of capacitance and voltage values.



Vishay Intertechnology’s MKP 385 Series potted film capacitors are based on a metallised electrode design using polypropylene dielectric. They meet performance grade 1 (long life). Featuring a capacitance range from 680pF to 0.033µF, high pulse load and high current capabilities and rated voltages of 1600V/2000V peak-to-peak and 500V/700VAC, these devices are very well suited for electronic lighting ballasts and power supplies.

The MKP 385 Series devices are believed to be the smallest capacitors of their type. For example, 6.8nF, 1600VDC and 3.6nF, 2000VDC types measure just 6.0mm x 12.0mm x 12.5mm. Available boxed or taped on reel, these RoHS-compliant devices feature low loss factor, and a choice of 5% or 2% tolerances.

For European ballast designs, Vishay recommends capacitance values of 2.2nF to 12.0nF, allowing an ignition voltage of 2800V peak-to-peak for 1600VDC and 3000V peak-to-peak for 2000VDC. These devices are fully tested at 60kHz and +85°C.

North American ballast designs require use of the 2000V types, from 680pF to 6.8nF. These devices are tested at 850V RMS, 25kHz and +85°C for 2000 hours.

Features

• Miniature pulse load film capacitors
• Small size: 6.8nF, 1600VDC in 6.0mm x 12.0mm x 12.5mm
• Capacitance range 0.001µF to 0.033µF
• 5% or 2% tolerance
• DC voltage ratings 1600V or 2000V
• Three section design
• Boxed or taped and reeled
• Maximum operating temperature +125°C
• RoHS compliant
• Low loss factor
• Three production sites

Applications

• European and North American lighting ballasts
• Power supplies
• High frequency applications

For further information, including the MKP 385 Datasheet, the Film Capacitors Selection Guide or the Light Capacitors Brochure, please click here