The relentless pursuit of higher power density and efficiency in modern electronic systems has driven the need for capacitors with increasingly lower equivalent series resistance (ESR). Achieving sub-10mΩ performance in surface mount capacitors presents significant engineering challenges that require innovative materials science, advanced manufacturing techniques, and careful application considerations. Nippon Chemi-Con's conductive polymer aluminum solid capacitor technology, exemplified in their PXF, PXJ, and PXS series, represents a breakthrough in ultra-low ESR performance.
The foundation of sub-10mΩ performance lies in Nippon Chemi-Con's NPCAP™ (Nippon Chemi-Con Conductive Polymer Aluminum Solid Capacitor) technology. Unlike traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors that utilize liquid electrolyte, these capacitors employ highly conductive polymer materials as the electrolyte medium.
The PXF series demonstrates remarkable ESR performance with values as low as 9mΩ at 20°C (100kHz-300kHz measurement frequency). Specifically, the 330µF/6.3V variant in F80 case size achieves 9mΩ while delivering 4,200mA rated ripple current at 105°C. This performance represents a significant advancement over conventional aluminum electrolytic technologies.
Figure 1: ESR Performance Comparison Chart- showing ESR values across different series and capacitance values. The illustration shows sub-10mΩ achievements across PXF and PXJ series with specific capacitance/voltage combinations.
Ultra-low ESR capacitors exhibit complex frequency-dependent behavior that must be understood for optimal application design. The impedance characteristics follow the relationship:
Z(f) = √(ESR² + (XL - XC)²)
Where XL represents inductive reactance and XC represents capacitive reactance. At the self-resonant frequency, XL = XC, and impedance equals ESR.
The PXJ series, positioned as an "upgrade" from traditional designs, achieves ESR values ranging from 7mΩ to 28mΩ across its capacitance range. The 820µF/2.5V variant in F80 case size demonstrates exceptional 7mΩ performance, enabling high-frequency switching applications previously impossible with conventional technologies.
Figure 2: Impedance vs Frequency Characteristics- showing how impedance varies across the frequency spectrum for different capacitor values. It demonstrates impedance behavior across frequency spectrum for different ESR values.
Achieving consistent sub-10mΩ performance across temperature requires careful thermal management. The temperature coefficient of ESR in conductive polymer capacitors follows a different profile compared to liquid electrolyte designs.
The low temperature characteristics specification indicates impedance ratios of:
• Z(-25°C)/Z(+20°C) ≤ 1.15
• Z(-55°C)/Z(+20°C) ≤ 1.25 (at 100kHz)
This exceptional temperature stability ensures ESR performance remains predictable across the operating temperature range of -55°C to +105°C.
Figure 3: ESR Temperature Coefficient Analysis- demonstrating ESR variation across temperature range. The graph displays temperature stability per catalog specs: Z(-25°C)/Z(+20°C) ≤ 1.15 and Z(-55°C)/Z(+20°C) ≤ 1.25.
The PXF series targets applications requiring ultra-low ESR with capacitance values from 120µF to 680µF and voltage ratings from 2V to 10V. The series achieves sub-10mΩ performance in multiple configurations:
The endurance specification of 15,000 hours at 105°C (3,000 hours for E40 and F46 case sizes) ensures long-term reliability in demanding applications.
The PXJ series represents an evolutionary advancement, extending voltage ratings to 25V while maintaining ultra-low ESR performance. Key sub-10mΩ achievements include:
• 820µF/2.5V (F80): 7mΩ with 5,000mA ripple current
• 1,000µF/2.5V (F80): 7mΩ with 5,000mA ripple current
• 560µF/6.3V (F80): 8mΩ with 5,000mA ripple current
• 270µF/6.3V (F80): 8mΩ with 5,800mA ripple current
Figure 4: Capacitance vs ESR Performance Matrix- comparing performance across different series and case sizes. The scatter plot showing ESR vs capacitance relationships with case size information.
The PXS series prioritizes extended operational life with 20,000 hours endurance at 105°C while maintaining competitive ESR performance. While not achieving sub-10mΩ values, the series provides ESR values from 22mΩ to 37mΩ with exceptional reliability characteristics.
The series utilizes the leakage current formula I = 0.2CV, where I represents maximum leakage current (µA), C is nominal capacitance (µF), and V is rated voltage (Vdc).
Achieving the full benefit of sub-10mΩ ESR requires meticulous PCB design. Parasitic inductance in PCB traces can significantly impact high-frequency performance. The recommended solder land dimensions provided in the catalog ensure optimal electrical and thermal connections:
For F80 case size (6.3mm × 7.7mm):
• Solder land dimensions: a=1.9mm, b=3.5mm, c=1.6mm
• Via placement restrictions apply beneath capacitor body
• Copper trace routing must avoid seal side proximity
Figure 5: PCB Layout Optimization Guidelines- showing recommended solder land patterns and trace routing. The visual comparison of optimal vs problematic layouts with exact solder land dimensions from catalog.
Ultra-low ESR enables exceptional ripple current handling, but thermal management becomes critical. The relationship between ripple current and internal temperature rise follows:
ΔT = (Irms/Irated)² × ΔTrated
Where ΔTrated represents the temperature rise at rated ripple current. The PXF series demonstrates ripple current capabilities exceeding 4,000mA in multiple configurations, enabling high-power applications.
Figure 6: Thermal Rise vs Ripple Current Analysis- showing temperature rise characteristics under various loading conditions. The chart exhibits thermal performance curves and power dissipation calculations for different ESR values.
Sub-10mΩ ESR capacitors excel in high-frequency switching applications where traditional capacitors introduce excessive losses. The frequency multiplier table indicates performance optimization across the spectrum:
• 120Hz: 0.05 multiplier
• 1kHz: 0.30 multiplier
• 10kHz: 0.55 multiplier
• 50kHz: 0.70 multiplier
• 100kHz-500kHz: 1.00 multiplier (rated condition)
Ultra-low ESR directly improves voltage regulation and transient response in power management applications. The impedance reduction enables faster response to load changes and reduces voltage ripple in switching regulators.
The surge voltage specifications demonstrate robust overvoltage capability:
• 2.5V rated: 2.9V surge capability
• 6.3V rated: 7.2V surge capability
• 10V rated: 12V surge capability
• 16V rated: 18V surge capability
The endurance specifications define performance expectations under accelerated aging conditions. At 105°C with rated voltage applied for the specified duration:
• Capacitance change: ≤±20% of initial value
• ESR: ≤150% of initial specified value
• Leakage current: ≤initial specified value
Bias humidity testing at 85°C, 85% RH validates performance under harsh environmental conditions. The specifications require:
• Capacitance change: ≤±30% of initial value
• ESR: ≤200% of initial specified value
The progression from PXF to PXJ series demonstrates continuous advancement in conductive polymer technology. The voltage range extension from 10V to 25V while maintaining sub-10mΩ performance indicates ongoing materials science improvements.
The integration of vibration-resistant terminal structures (Terminal Code: G) for automotive applications shows the technology's expansion into demanding environments requiring 30G vibration resistance.
Achieving sub-10mΩ ESR performance in surface mount capacitors requires the convergence of advanced materials science, precision manufacturing, and application-specific design optimization. Nippon Chemi-Con's PXF and PXJ series demonstrate that conductive polymer technology can deliver unprecedented performance levels while maintaining the reliability and cost-effectiveness required for volume production.
The technology enables new possibilities in high-efficiency power conversion, ultra-fast transient response systems, and compact high-power designs previously constrained by ESR limitations. As power density requirements continue to increase, ultra-low ESR capacitor technology will play an increasingly critical role in next-generation electronic system design.
Navigating the complexities of ultra-low ESR capacitor selection, thermal management, and high-frequency design requires expertise. At SAGA Components, our team of application engineers, backed by strong relationships with partners like Nippon Chemi-Con, provides crucial support. We help you:
• Translate system requirements into optimal capacitor specifications and ESR targets.
• Compare Nippon Chemi-Con conductive polymer solutions against alternatives, highlighting performance and reliability benefits.
• Provide samples for prototyping and validation of critical switching applications.
• Manage logistics and supply chain requirements for volume production across Nordic markets.
Our deep technical expertise in conductive polymer technology, thermal management, and high-frequency circuit design enables us to assist at every stage of your design process—from initial concept through production. By partnering with SAGA Components and leveraging Nippon Chemi-Con's comprehensive NPCAP™ portfolio, you can develop robust, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for even the most demanding power management applications.
📧 Email: contact@sagacomponents.com
📞 Phone: +46 (0) 8 564 708 00
🌐 Web: https://www.sagacomponents.com
• NPCAP™ Technical Selection Guide: https://www.chemi-con.co.jp/en/download/
• Lifetime Calculation Software Tool: https://www.chemi-con.co.jp/en/tool/lifetime/detail.html
• Full product catalog download: https://www.chemi-con.co.jp/en/download/
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