V I S H AY
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Tantalum Capacitors
Technical Note
Tantalum Capacitors and Moisture Sensitivity
By Ilia Litvachuck
Vishay supplies surface mount molded and conformal coated solid tantalum capacitors with MnO2 and polymer cathode
constructions.
The conformal coated devices meet moisture sensitivity level rating (MSL) of 2a as specified in IPC / JEDEC® J-STD-020E and
are dry packaged in moisture barrier bags (MBB) per J-STD-033. Level 2a specifies a floor life of 4 weeks at 30 °C and 60 %
relative humidity (RH). Unused capacitors should be re-sealed in the MBB with fresh desiccant. A moisture strip (Humidity
Indicator Card) is included in the bag to assure dryness. To remove excess moisture, capacitors can be dried at 40 °C for
168 h (standard “dry box” conditions).
For detailed recommendations, please refer to J-STD-033.
Conformal coated series: 591D, 592D, 592W, 195D, 695D, 594D, 595D, 597D, 572D, T95, T96, T97, T98, 13008, and 14002.
Note
• The following conformal coated devices (with metal end caps) meet moisture sensitivity level rating MSL 1:
194D, CWR06, CWR16, and CWR26
The molded series devices with the MnO2 cathode construction meet MSL 1, are not considered moisture sensitive and are not
stored or shipped in moisture protective packaging (unless required by customer).
These series do not require any special handling provided the storage and manufacturing environment is nominally at 30 °C and
60 % RH.
Molded series with the MnO2 cathode construction: 293D, 593D, TR3, TP3, TL3, TH3, TH4, TH5, T83, TM3, 793DX, CTC3,
CTC4, CWR11, 95158, 298D, 298W (1), TM8, TL8 (1), TR8, TP8, 11020, TMCJ, TMCP, TMCM, TMCS, TMCU (case UA) (2), TMCR,
TMCH, TMCTX, and THC.
Note
(1) Selected ratings meet moisture sensitivity level rating MSL 3, refer to relevant datasheet
(2) TMCU case UB molded series devices meet moisture sensitivity level rating MSL 3
Molded series devices with the polymer cathode construction and TMCU case UB with the MnO2 cathode construction meet
MSL 3 as specified in IPC / JEDEC J-STD-020E and are dry packaged in MBB per J-STD-033. Level 3 testing specifies a floor
life of 168 hours at 30 °C and 60 % RH. Unused capacitors should be re-sealed in the MBB with fresh desiccant. A moisture
strip (humidity indicator card) is included in the bag to assure dryness. To remove excess moisture, capacitors can be dried at
40 °C for 168 h (standard “dry box” conditions).
Molded series devices with the polymer cathode construction: T50, T55, T56, T52, T54, T58, and T59.
Moisture sensitivity levels and test conditions were developed for the semiconductor industry to prevent the “popcorning”
effect, particularly in high-temperature lead (Pb)-free processing environments. Passive components, including solid tantalum
capacitor, are typically not subject to this kind of failure mode but can be affected if exposed to high levels of humidity for long
periods of time.
Revision: 18-May-2020
Document Number: 40135
1
For technical questions, contact: tantalum@vishay.com
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
TECHNICAL NOTE
For detailed recommendations, please refer to J-STD-033.