Cornell has made even thinner versions of its already thin polymer electrolytic capacitors taking them down to 1mm from the earlier 3mm series.

“Cornell Dubilier Electronics’ new PPC Series, designed specifically for applications requiring high ripple current and the thinnest profile possibilities, opens up new product design options,” according to distributor New Yorker Electronics which is stocking the parts. “In addition to being just 1 mm thin, the PPC uses versatile packaging technology that makes it possible for capacitors to be formed into custom shapes [right] and sizes to accommodate available space.”

Capacitance from 8,000 to 20,000µF are available across 6.3 to 24Vdc, with operation over -55 to +125ºC. Max ripple current is 54Arms at 20kHz. In the 8,000µF example, capacitance drops off dramatically above ~4kHz.

2,000hours life is claimed at rated temperature, voltage and ripple current.

These devices are thin, but not small in area, with one example measuring ~125 x 150mm.

Effective resistance [left] varies, but can be in the region of tens of milliohms.

10G peak vibration is possible (MIL-STD-202, Method 213, Condition I), as is operation at ~ 3,000m altitude.

“Rated for 125°C, PPC combines the advantages of aluminium electrolytic and aluminium polymer technology,” said New Yorker. Applications for 125°C polymer capacitors include dc-dc converters, tablets, telecommunications, thin displays, and variety of industrial power conversion.”

According to Cornell: “A single PPC capacitor can handle ripple currents equivalent to dozens of SMT capacitors or a bulky cylindrical device.” It added that there are plans to offer higher operating voltages later in the year.

Terminals are wide flat tin-plated copper terminations, and it is possible to mount the capacitors off-board or directly to a PCB, using 3M double-sided VHB tape to ensure that the entire capacitor surface is kept rigid.