A new version of KYOCERA AVX’s supercapacitor-focused online simulation software, SpiCAT, was made available.
SpiCAT online simulation software makes it easy for engineers to identify the unique characteristics of a wide variety of KYOCERA AVX components, including:
Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs),
Polymer, tantalum, and niobium capacitors,
Negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) thermistors, and — now — supercapacitors.
The new SpiCAT SpiSCAP online simulation software for KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors makes it easy for engineers to evaluate and select SCC and SCM Series supercapacitors optimized for their applications’ discharge requirements.
Based on Criteria Including:
- Initial and end-of-life capacitance values, the latter of which is defined as exhibiting 70% of rated capacitance and 200% ESR
- Initial and final voltage
- Constant current, constant power, or constant resistance modes
- Power (W)
- Duration time
One-click access to comprehensive information about the suggested solutions, including input values, part number explanations, physical and electrical characteristics, and even interactive voltage and current vs. time graphs, is available to users. Suggested supercapacitor solutions range from single cells and modules to series and parallel combinations of parts.
KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors, including SCC and SCM Series supercapacitors and supercapacitor modules, provide engineers with a number of practical advantages, such as:
- Capacitance values extending from 0.47F to 3,000F, depending on the series
- High pulse power and large energy storage capabilities
- Very low ESR and low leakage current ratings
- Reliable performance and long lifetimes when designed-in properly
- Support for series and parallel configurations capable of achieving custom working voltage and capacitance ratings
- Faster charge/discharge cycles, better performance over a wider range of rated operating temperatures (-40°C to +65°C at rated voltage or +85°C with appropriate derating), and superior cycle life compared to batteries
- The ability to extend primary and secondary battery lifetimes by a minimum of 2x on average
- The option of bent leads, custom wiring, connectors, and solder/weld terminals
- Rugged designs, including high-reliability, moisture-resistant models and automotive-grade options qualified to AEC-Q200
- Competitive pricing
- Favorable lead-times
- Manufacturing ownership and supply chain confidence
- Highly experienced engineering and technical support services
These unique characteristics also enable broad application suitability. KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors are ideal for emergency memory and power backup, battery supplement, peak power assist, and pulse power applications in
- Automation, robotics, and smart metering equipment
- Engine and motor starters
- Uninterruptible power supplies
- Wind turbines
- Mobile communications (GSM), radio (GPRS), telemetry, wireless alarm, emergency lighting, and hybrid systems
- Handheld controllers and scanners
- Electronic locks
- Wearables
Supercapacitors are electrochemical double layer capacitors that combine the best features of batteries and electronic or dielectric capacitors (like ceramic, tantalum, film, and aluminum electrolytic capacitors) to provide exceptional pulse power handling capabilities. This is achieved by combining very low ESR with very high capacitance.
For power backup, hold-up, energy harvesting, peak power assist, pulse power, and battery applications in the industrial, energy, telecommunications, automotive, transportation, and medical sectors, these special large-energy-storage devices can be used alone or in combination with primary or secondary batteries to increase backup time, prolong battery life, and provide instantaneous power pulses.
Leadership Comments
“Supercapacitors, like our SCC and SCM Series, provide a number of unique advantages over both electric and dielectric capacitors and batteries and help engineers in the industrial, energy, automotive, transportation, telecommunications, commercial building, and consumer electronics markets overcome common power challenges. So, we’re very excited to release the new SpiCAT SpiSCAP online simulation software to help them evaluate and select supercapacitor solutions optimized for their unique application demands,” said Jiri Machanicek, Product Manager, KYOCERA AVX Components – Europe.
For more information about KYOCERA AVX’s SpiCAT online engineering simulation software and its SCC and SCM Series supercapacitors
