Passive Components


Soft termination system for components guards against crack failures

1 June 2005 Passive Components

Driven by demands from the automotive industry for more robust and more reliable components, AVX has developed FlexiTerm, a soft termination system for components that it claims allows almost three times the amount of PCB flexure when compared to standard termination systems.

Further enhancing the capabilities of a standard MLCC (multilayer ceramic capacitor), FlexiTerm was developed as an additional flexible termination layer added to the component to ensure electrical integrity is maintained when external forces are applied. This new high conductivity termination material was added to the AVX standard X7R dielectric ceramic capacitor to prevent failures in the system due to cracking.

AVX guarantees a minimum flexure of 5 mm, without internal cracks, versus the industry standard of 2 mm. In addition, FlexiTerm can achieve 3000 temperature cycles as compared to the industry standard of 1000 cycles. FlexiTerm is designed so that the capacitors will not crack under most extreme environmental conditions. However, in the rare scenario where a board may flex beyond 5 mm, AVX says that FlexiTerm is designed so if there were to be a failure, it would be in the termination area and in open mode. This is especially important on power lines where failure could involve fire damage due to short circuit. With FlexiTerm, the open circuit occurs in a small area of the termination meaning little or no degradation to the capacitor's performance.

The ruggedness of FlexiTerm makes it an ideal choice for applications such as depanelisation in high flexure stress circuit boards, variable temperature applications and automotive applications.

FlexiTerm's flexible termination comprises a conductive polymer used in conjunction with base metal electrode (BME) technology. The conductive polymer coats a copper termination that is then plated with nickel and tin. Resistance to mechanical failure can be attributed to FlexiTerm's ability to reduce the transfer of mechanical stress exerted on the component body.

FlexiTerm is available in 0603 to 1812 case sizes, with a voltages ranging from 6,3 V to 100 V.

For more information contact Ashley Sundraj, Arrow Altech Distribution, +27 (0)11 923 9600, [email protected]



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Wi-Fi 6/BLE module enables rapid development
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Telit Cinterion has announced the WE310K6, a fully integrated, low-power module featuring dual-band, dual-stream Wi-Fi 6, and dual-mode Bluetooth/BLE.

Read more...
Analysis of switch-mode power supply: inductor violations
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Common switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design errors are discussed, and their appropriate rectification is specified, with details on complications that arise with the power stage design of DC-DC switching regulators.

Read more...
PCB connectors for power systems
Phoenix Contact Passive Components
With the new PC 6 PCB connectors with screw connection, Phoenix Contact’s classic connection technology is available with enhanced touch protection for the new pin connector pattern.

Read more...
Microsoft Windows IoT on ARM
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
This expansion means that the Windows IoT ecosystem can now harness the power of ARM processors, known for their energy efficiency and versatility.

Read more...
Polymer caps with very high ripple current capability
RS South Africa Passive Components
TDK Corporation has released the B40910 series of hybrid polymer capacitors, which can handle up to 4,6 A at 100 kHz and 125°C.

Read more...
Accelerating the commercialisation of the 5G IoT markets
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Fibocom unveils Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) module MA510-GL, enabling satellite and cellular connectivity to IoT applications.

Read more...
SPE connector range
Phoenix Contact Passive Components
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a communication technology that realises Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications, and Phoenix Contact’s Combicon range are ideal for SPE connections.

Read more...
TDK expands MLCC series
RS South Africa Passive Components
TDK Corporation has expanded its CGA series of multilayer ceramic capacitors, currently being the highest capacitance in 100 V products for automotive applications.

Read more...
Microchip introduces ECC608 TrustMANAGER
Altron Arrow Circuit & System Protection
To increase security on IoT products and facilitate easier setup and management, Microchip Technology has added the ECC608 TrustMANAGER with Kudelski IoT keySTREAM, Software as a Service (SaaS) to its Trust Platform portfolio of devices, services and tools.

Read more...
xG26 sets new standard in multiprotocol wireless device performance
Altron Arrow AI & ML
Silicon Labs has announced its new xG26 family of Wireless SoCs and MCUs, which consists of the multiprotocol MG26 SoC, the Bluetooth LE BG26 SoC, and the PG26 MCU.

Read more...