Eaton — EFDKx DC-link Capacitors

Eaton supplies the EFDKS series of non-automotive and EFDKA automotive-grade dc-link film capacitors, which offer high contact reliability, high ripple current capability, and self-healing.  

These EFDKx dc-link capacitors are constructed of metallized polypropylene film encapsulated with epoxy resin in a plastic case with 2- or 4-pin tinned copper wire terminals. Advances in film capacitor manufacturing have reduced their size and weight, making them suitable for use even in space-constrained applications. 

Dc-link film capacitors act as the intermediate stage between a rectifier and an inverter, filtering the high-frequency components, smoothing low-frequency ripple, and sinking currents from the load side that could return to the primary side of a converter. In high-performance converter applications, film capacitors offer important advantages over electrolytic capacitors, providing superior stability and voltage handling, lower losses, and longer lifetime.  

While the unit cost of dc-link film capacitors such as the EFDKS and EFDKA may be higher than that of electrolytic capacitors, their reliability and longevity can lower the total cost of ownership over time.  

In addition, the high capacitance density of the EFDKx products results in lower ripple, thus allowing for board space savings. The EFDKx capacitors’ high contact reliability ensures the capacitor remains attached to the PCB when exposed to vibration. 

The EFDKx dc-link capacitors also perform self-healing. They contain metallized film dielectrics – if a dielectric breakdown occurs due to a voltage spike, the metal around the breakdown area evaporates, restoring the insulation and preventing catastrophic failure. 

The EFDKA series automotive-grade capacitors are rated for THB Grade IIIB and are AEC-Q200 qualified.