Tab Leads Capacitors
Last Updated: January 16, 2025 Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Tab leads capacitors are a type of capacitor that feature tab-like leads for electrical connections. These capacitors store and release electrical energy in a circuit, providing capacitance where needed. They are designed to offer a reliable and stable connection, often used in applications requiring robust mechanical stability.
Working Principle
Tab leads capacitors operate on the basic principle of capacitance, which involves storing electrical energy in an electric field created between two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is established, storing energy. This energy can be released back into the circuit when the voltage changes. The tab leads provide a secure and stable connection, which is particularly useful in applications where mechanical stability is crucial.
Applications
Tab leads capacitors are commonly used in power supplies, where they help in smoothing rectifier outputs by passing AC power and storing DC, thus providing clean power. They are also used in automotive applications for energy storage and power conditioning. Another specific example includes their use in signal coupling and decoupling in various electronic circuits, where they help in filtering noise and interference signals.
Advantages over other Capacitors
One of the primary advantages of tab leads capacitors over other types is their robust mechanical stability, which makes them suitable for applications that experience significant mechanical stress. For instance, in automotive applications, the tab leads provide a more secure connection compared to traditional wire leads, reducing the risk of disconnection due to vibrations. Additionally, the tab leads can handle higher current loads, making them ideal for power supply applications.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, tab leads capacitors have some limitations. They can be more expensive than other types of capacitors due to their specialized construction. Additionally, their larger size compared to surface-mount capacitors can be a drawback in applications where space is a critical factor. They may also have lower temperature resistance compared to some other capacitor types, limiting their use in high-temperature environments.
Considerations
When selecting tab leads capacitors, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can be higher due to their specialized design, but this can be offset by their durability and reliability in demanding applications. Operating expenses are generally low, as these capacitors are designed to be stable and require minimal maintenance. Durability is a significant advantage, especially in environments with mechanical stress. However, accuracy can vary depending on the specific type and manufacturer, so it is essential to choose a capacitor that meets the required specifications. Replacement and maintenance costs are typically low, but it is crucial to ensure that the capacitors are compatible with the existing circuit design to avoid additional expenses.
from DigiKey
200mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 3.3V Coin, Thin Terminals - Same Sides 200Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 60 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 200000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
70mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 3.3V Coin, Wide Terminals - Opposite Sides 100Ohm @ 1kHz 500 Hrs @ 60 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 70000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
70mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 3.3V Coin, Wide and Corner Terminals 100Ohm @ 1kHz 500 Hrs @ 60 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 70000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
330mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 2.8V Coin, Thin Terminals - Same Sides 100Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 70 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 330000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
220mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 3.3V Coin, Thin Terminals - Same Sides 200Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 70 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 220000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
47mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 5.5V Radial, Can - SMD 50Ohm @ 1kHz [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 47000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
100mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 5.5V Radial, Can - SMD 50Ohm @ 1kHz [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 100000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
470mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 5.5V Radial, Can - SMD 13Ohm @ 1kHz [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 470000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
1F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 5.5V Radial, Can - SMD 7Ohm @ 1kHz [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 1.00E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
CAP SUPER 0.10F 5.5V SMD [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 100000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
350mF (EDLC) Supercapacitor 3.2V 3-SMD, Flat Lead [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 350000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
4F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 1.4V Coin, Wide Terminals - Opposite Sides 2.5Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 70 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 4.00E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
15F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 1.4V Coin, Wide Terminals - Opposite Sides 600mOhm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 85 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 1.50E7
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
4F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 2.8V Coin, Wide Terminals - Opposite Sides 5Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 70 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 4.00E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
15F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 2.8V Coin, Wide Terminals - Opposite Sides 1.2Ohm @ 1kHz 1000 Hrs @ 85 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 1.50E7
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 80
from DigiKey
3.5F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 2.1V Nonstandard SMD 110mOhm @ 1kHz 2000 Hrs @ 65 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 3.50E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 30
from DigiKey
8.5F (EDLC) Supercapacitor 2.1V Nonstandard SMD 50mOhm @ 1kHz 2000 Hrs @ 65 °C [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 8.50E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 30
from DigiKey
CAPACITOR 6F -10%, +30% 2.5V SMD [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 6.00E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Tolerance: 30
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 4.20V 220MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 220000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 4.20V 470MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 470000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 4.50V 35MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 35000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 5.50V 470MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 470000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 5.50V 1000MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 1.00E6
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPA SUPERCAPACITOR 5.50V 200MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 200000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from DigiKey
SCPB SUPERCAPACITOR 2.50V 170MF [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Tab; SMD (SMT) Tabs
- Capacitance Range: 170000
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Mounting Style: Surface Mount Technology
from KEMET Electronics Corporation
KEMET's complete line of aluminum electrolytic capacitors are designed for use in all types of electronic equipment including power and alternative energy, industrial, telecommunications, automotive, military, medical and consumer electronics applications. [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Axial; Radial; Tab; Screw
- Technology: Multilayer
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor; Snap in
- Applications: General Purpose; High Power; Automotive
from Genteq
AC Capacitors for Motor Run Applications. This capacitor series is designed specifically for the motor run applications where the capacitors are used in conjunction with permanent split capacitor type motors. They may be used on either 50 or 60-Hertz systems but should not be used at higher... [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Technology: Film Capacitors
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Applications: General Purpose; Motors / Motor Starting
from Shenzhen Shengyu Electronics Technology Limited
CAP ALUM 1000UF 20% 200V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Shandong Goldencell Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Performance characteristics: High temperature 85 ° C series. Typical applications: RAM, consumer electronics, wind turbine pitch, military, smart grid, backup power, toys, etc. [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Technology: Ultracapacitor
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Applications: General Purpose; Power Supply; RAM, Consumer Electronics, Wind Turbine Pitch, Military, Smart Grid, Backup Power, Toys
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM POLY 12000UF 10V CHAS [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Utmel Electronic Limited
CAP ALUM 3300UF 80V RADIAL [See More]
- Lead Style: Radial; Tab
- Capacitance Tolerance: 20
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- WVDC: 80
from KEMET Electronics Corporation
KEMET's complete line of power film and paper capacitors, available in both surface mount and through-hole form factors, are designed for use in all types of electronic equipment including power and alternative energy, industrial, telecommunications, automotive, military, medical and consumer... [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Axial; Radial; Tab; Screw
- Technology: Film Capacitors
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Applications: General Purpose; High Current; High Power; Aerospace; Motors / Motor Starting
from Genteq
Life-Line Capacitor Kit. The Life-Line Capacitor Kit is the all in one replacement kit for your single and dual run capacitor needs. In addition to many single capacitor ratings, this kit has been designed to cover 48 of the most common dual ratings in both 370VAC and 440VAC applications. [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Technology: Film Capacitors
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Applications: General Purpose; Motors / Motor Starting
from Shandong Goldencell Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Performance characteristics: High capacity, low internal resistance, good consistency. Typical applications: RAM, consumer electronics, wind turbine pitch, military, smart grid, backup power, toys, etc. [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Technology: Ultracapacitor
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Applications: General Purpose; Power Supply; RAM, Consumer Electronics, Wind Turbine Pitch, Military, Smart Grid, Backup Power, Toys
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM POLY 8000UF 16V CHAS [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Utmel Electronic Limited
CAP CER 2500PF 9KV [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab; Chassis Mount
- Capacitance Tolerance: 5
- Capacitance Range: 0.0025
- WVDC: 9000
from KEMET Electronics Corporation
Applications. CPU/USB/memory decoupling. 12V/24V48V input. SSD holdup. Enterprise networks. notebook/phone/tablet. Automotive. Defense & avionics. Features & Benefits. Highest capacitance in the smallest size. Low ESR & surge current robust. Stable capacitance across time, temperature... [See More]
- Lead Style: Surface Mount (SMT); Axial; Radial; Tab; Screw
- Electrolytic Capacitors: Solid Electrolytic
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor; Chip Capacitor
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 1000UF 20% 150V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Utmel Electronic Limited
CAP CER 250PF 8KV NONSTND [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab; Chassis Mount
- Capacitance Tolerance: 5
- Capacitance Range: 2.50E-4
- WVDC: 8000
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 1000UF 20% 150V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 10000UF 20% 20V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 10000UF 20% 20V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 1100UF 20% 75V FLATPACK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 1100UF 20% 75V FLATPACK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 1100UF 20% 75V FLATPACK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 11000UF 20% 50V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 20000UF 20% 25V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Acme Chip Technology Co., Limited
CAP ALUM 11000UF 20% 40V FLATPCK [See More]
- Lead Style: Tab
- Applications: General Purpose; General Purpose
- Technology: Single-Layer
- Capacitance Type: Fixed