KEMET Introduces Next-Generation Supercapacitors for Automotive

     KEMET, the world's leading electronic component supplier under Yageo Group, announced the launch of its new high-performance supercapacitors FMD and FU0H series for automotive electronics. Both series provide 1,000 hours of service life over a rated voltage range of 85°C/85% RH and an operating temperature of -40°C to 85°C. The FMD series has a longer service life of up to 4,000 hours. These ultracapacitors comply with automotive testing protocols. These capacitors are manufactured in an ISO TS 16949 certified facility and are subject to PPAP/PSW and change control. They are ideal for automotive applications that require backup of the main power system during power outages, such as ADAS, autonomous vehicles and central gateway ECUs.

     Supercapacitors are ideal for replacing the real-time clock or volatile memory of the mains power system when it is removed, such as during a power failure or when the mains power system's battery is removed to replace it. memory is maintained. In addition, these supercapacitors can provide backup power for devices such as IoT devices, smart meters, medical devices, and industrial computing.

     The use of supercapacitors in automotive electronics removes the design constraints imposed by limited battery life. The benign open-circuit failure mode of supercapacitors contrasts with typical short-circuit battery failures that can lead to gassing or ignition. In addition, supercapacitors are cost-effective alternatives to small backup batteries. Depending on the load type and current demand, the device can store enough energy to provide backup for durations ranging from seconds to hours.

     KEMET's micro-supercapacitors are manufactured using a proprietary aqueous electrolyte solution, thus providing high durability against liquid leakage, vibration and thermal shock for high reliability in harsh environments. Aqueous electrolytes have the advantages of high electrical conductivity, low environmental impact, non-toxic, and non-flammable properties. Unlike batteries, supercapacitors store and release energy rapidly through physical adsorption and ion desorption in the electrolyte between their electrodes. Due to the low internal resistance of supercapacitors, the device can be fully charged in seconds. In contrast, secondary batteries can take ten minutes to several hours to fully charge. In addition, there is no theoretical limit to its life cycle, whereas lithium-ion secondary batteries have a limited life of about 500 cycles. They are also generally more hygroscopic, resulting in longer service life and better stability than organic compounds.