Tantalum capacitors are marked in several ways to indicate their specifications. Here are the common markings and what they mean:
1. Capacitance Value:
- Tantalum capacitors often have their capacitance value marked in microfarads (μF). For example, a capacitor marked as "10μF" has a capacitance of 10 microfarads.
- Some capacitors may also have decimal values marked. For instance, "4.7μF" indicates a capacitance of 4.7 microfarads.
2. Voltage Rating:
- The voltage rating is usually marked in volts (V). For example, "16V" indicates that the capacitor is rated for a maximum voltage of 16 volts.
- It's important to ensure that the capacitor is used within its voltage rating to prevent damage or failure.
3. Tolerance:
- Tolerance indicates the allowable deviation from the nominal capacitance value. It is usually expressed as a percentage.
- For example, a capacitor marked with "±10%" has a tolerance of plus or minus 10% of the nominal capacitance value.
4. Manufacturer Information:
- Some tantalum capacitors may have markings indicating the manufacturer's logo, part number, or other identifying information.
5. Polarity Marking:
- Tantalum capacitors are polarized, meaning they have a positive and a negative terminal.
- The positive terminal is usually marked with a "+" sign or a long stripe on the capacitor body. It's crucial to connect the capacitor correctly according to its polarity to avoid damage.
When using tantalum capacitors, it's important to carefully read and understand the markings to ensure proper selection and installation in your circuit.