Panasonic ECPU(A) Series Plastic Film Capacitors

Features

• Low ESR
• Small size & large capacitance
• For reflow soldering
• RoHS compliant

Recommended applications

• Noise suppressor circuit
• Audio circuit

Explanation of part number

Specifications

* In case of applying voltage in alternating current (50 Hz or 60 Hz sine wave) to a capacitor with DC rated voltage, please refer to the page of "Permissible voltage (R.M.S) in alternating current corresponding to DC rated voltage".

Construction

Dimensions

*1: To be applied only for size code J1

Taping specification for automatic mounting

Refer to the page of taping specifications.

Rating Dimensions · Quantity

Recommended for land dimensions

* It is not warrantable that you can mount the capacitor without trouble under all the mounting condition when "Recommended for Land dimensions" is adopted.

Safety and Legal Matters to Be Observed

Product specifications and applications

• Please be advised that this product and product specifications are subject to change without notice for improvement purposes. Therefore, please request and confirm the latest delivery specifications that explain the specifications in detail before the final design, or purchase or use of the product, regardless of the application. In addition, do not use this product in any way that deviates from the contents of the company's delivery specifications.
• Unless otherwise specified in this catalog or the product specifications, this product is intended for use in general electronic equipment (AV products, home appliances, commercial equipment, office equipment, information and communication equipment, etc.).
• When this product is used for the following special cases, the specification document suited to each application shall be signed/sealed (with Panasonic Industry and the user) in advance. These include applications requiring special quality and reliability, wherein their failures or malfunctions may directly threaten human life or cause harm to the human body (e.g.: space/aircraft equipment, transportation/traffic equipment, combustion equipment, medical equipment, disaster prevention/crime prevention equipment, safety equipment, etc.).

Safety design and product evaluation

• Please ensure safety through protection circuits, redundant circuits, etc., in the customer's system design so that a defect in our company's product will not endanger human life or cause other serious damage.
• This catalog shows the quality and performance of individual parts. The durability of parts varies depending on the usage environment and conditions. Therefore, please ensure to evaluate and confirm the state of each part after it has been mounted in your product in the actual operating environment before use.
• If you have any doubts about the safety of this product, then please notify us immediately, and be sure to conduct a technical review including the above protection circuits and redundant circuits at your company.

Laws / Regulations / Intellectual property

• The transportation of dangerous goods as designated by UN numbers, UN classifications, etc., does not apply to this product. In addition, when exporting products, product specifications, and technical information described in this catalog, please comply with the laws and regulations of the countries to which the products are exported, especially those concerning security export control.
• Each model of this product complies with the RoHS Directive (Restriction of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment) (2011/65/EU and (EU) 2015/863). The date of compliance with the RoHS Directive and REACH Regulation varies depending on the product model.
• Further, if you are using product models in stock and are not sure whether or not they comply with the RoHS Directive or REACH Regulation, please contact us by selecting "Sales Inquiry" from the inquiry form.
• During the manufacturing process of this product and any of its components and materials to be used, Panasonic Industry does not intentionally use ozone-depleting substances stipulated in the Montreal Protocol and specific bromine-based flame retardants such as PBBs (Poly-Brominated Biphenyls) / PBDEs (Poly-Brominated Diphenyl Ethers). In addition, the materials used in this product are all listed as existing chemical substances based on the Act on the Regulation of Manufacture and Evaluation of Chemical Substances.
• With regard to the disposal of this product, please confirm the disposal method in each country and region where it is incorporated into your company's product and used.
• The technical information contained in this catalog is intended to show only typical operation and application circuit examples of this product. This catalog does not guarantee that such information does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of Panasonic Industry or any third party, nor imply that the license of such rights has been granted.
• Design, materials, or process related to technical owned by Panasonic Industry are subject to change without notice.
• Panasonic Industry will assume no liability whatsoever if the use of our company's products deviates from the contents of this catalog or does not comply with the precautions. Please be advised of these restrictions.

Matters to Be Observed When Using This Product

Use environments

• This product is intended for standard general-purpose use in electronic equipment, and is not designed for use in specific environments described below. Using the product in such specific environments or service conditions, therefore, may affect the performance of the product. Please check the performance and reliability of the product first before using the product.
• (1) The product characteristics may deteriorate in environments where the product is exposed to water, oil, direct sunlight, ozone, UV-rays, radiant rays, etc. Do not use the product in these environments.
• (2) High-humidity environment: When the capacitor is used in a high-humidity environment for a long period, moisture permeates its outer case reaching internal elements as time goes by. This moisture oxidizes a film deposit or spraying of metal, thus causing the capacitor problems. As a result of moisture absorption, some types capacitors may have their capacitances increased.
• (3) High temperature: There are cases where oil leaks from an ECQUG type capacitor used under high-temperature conditions (70°C or higher). However, it rarely happens and does not affect the quality and reliability of the capacitor at all. Nevertheless, avoid such a configuration in which the product and a component that may have a contact failure caused by oil are incorporated together in the same circuit set. If you have any question, please feel free to contact us.
• (4) Gaseous atmosphere: Avoid using the capacitor in an oxidizing gas, such as a hydrogen chloride gas, hydrogen sulfide gas, and sulfurous acid gas. Using the capacitor in such a gaseous atmosphere results in oxidized film deposit (aluminum) or spraying of metal (zinc) that may cause an ignition or smoking incident.
• (5) Resin coat: If you intend to coat the capacitor with a resin for the purpose of improving its resistance to moisture and gas or fixing a component, make separate inquiries to us about the matter. A chemical solvent included in the resin permeates the metal sprayed parts or electrode (film deposit), which may cause the degradation of the capacitor characteristics. When curing resin, the resin generates chemical reaction heat (curing heat), which may have a negative influence on the capacitor. When embedding the whole capacitor completely with a resin, sufficiently analyze/assess the effects of the thermomechanical stress created by thermal expansion/shrinkage.
• (6) See to it that no dust gets deposited on the product. Dust deposition on the product causes current leakage, etc., leading to a degradation of the product characteristics.

Cleaning conditions

• The effects of cleaning processes on the capacitor vary widely, depending on its structure and materials. Generally speaking, the capacitor is hardly susceptible to a CFC-based solvent and an alcohol-based solvent but is affected by a solvent with high polarity in some cases. In many cases, the capacitor with leads is covered with an outer casing made of an epoxy resin highly resistant to chemicals and is therefore barely affected by a cleaner. We nevertheless advise you to clean the capacitor as quickly as possible. A chip-type laminated film capacitor (ECHU, ECWU, ECPU) is not protected with an outer jacket. During cleaning processes, solder flux or a cleaner deposited on an element of the capacitor, may be activated and flow into the capacitor, causing a problem.
• Ultrasonic cleaning may cause some problems, depending on the cleaner used and ultrasonic power output. Such problems include peeling of protective film, separation of an electrode due to resonance, and degraded capacitor characteristics. Make sufficient examinations/confirmations before carrying out ultrasonic cleaning.
• As a result of strict regulations on CFC-based and chlorine-based solvents, cleaners not containing such solvents have come into wide use. Some such alternative cleaners are, however, still harmful to the chip-type laminated film capacitor and could be harmful under improper cleaning conditions. Examine the cleaner sufficiently before using it. If you intend to use an alternative cleaner, please contact us in advance. Cleaning methods using an alternative cleaner include a method in which a high-pressure spray of cleaner (water) hits against the board. In this case, the water pressure may cause the protective film to peel off from the element surface. Research the cleaning method before executing it.
• Dry the cleaned capacitor sufficiently so that no cleaner remains thereon. An insufficient drying process allows the cleaner to remain on the element surface, in which case measurement of the insulation resistance of the capacitor may indicate an apparent drop in the insulation resistance.
• A recommended cleaner is isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is a general industrial reagent. Recommended cleaning conditions include a cleaning temperature of 50°C and a cleaning time of 5 minutes or shorter, which apply equally to immersion cleaning, vapor cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning.
• A list of cleaners that can be or cannot be used to clean the capacitor is shown on the next page. See the list for your reference. If you are not clear about whether or not a cleaner can be used to clean the capacitor, make sure to contact us.

List of cleaners that can be or cannot be used to clean the capacitor

* Retail product: ECWFE, ECWFG

◯: cleaner can be used, ✕: cleaner cannot be used, : unconfirmed

Response to anomalies and handling conditions

• A dielectric film is not a fire-resistant material. In contrast, an ECQE type metallized polyester capacitor and ECWF type/ ECWH type metallized polypropylene capacitors each have an outer casing made of a fire-resistant epoxy resin (UL94 V-0).
• Because the capacitor described herein is made of a combustible material, it may generate smoke or even ignite when exposed to excessive heat. We therefore recommend you cover the capacitor with a fire-resistant material or fire-resistant case. When you use the capacitor at an operating voltage of 30 V AC or higher or 45 V DC or higher, to prevent noise between a line and the ground or between different lines, we recommend you cover a resin component near the capacitor with a fire-resistant material or fire-resistant case (to prevent a fire accident).
• When a different component in the same circuit has short-circuited or developed an open failure, see to it that a voltage or current higher than the rated voltage or current or excessive heat is not applied to the capacitor.
• We define the maximum voltage that can be applied consecutively regardless of temperature, as rated voltage*1. Be careful with the fact, however, that this rated voltage is different from rated voltages defined in JIS, IEC, etc. *2
• *1 Definition of the rated voltage by our company: We define the maximum voltage that can be applied continuously within the entire category temperature range, as the rated voltage. In a high-temperature condition where voltage reduction is necessary, a reduced maximum voltage is referred to as the rated voltage. Therefore, the maximum voltage that can be applied continuously at the category upper limit temperature is also referred to as the rated voltage.
• *2 Definition of the rated voltage by JIS and IEC: JIS and IEC define the maximum voltage that can be applied continuously within a temperature range from the category lower limit temperature to the rated temperature, as the rated voltage. According to JIS and IEC, the maximum voltage that can be applied continuously at the category upper limit temperature is referred to as the category voltage. In a temperature range from the rated temperature to the category upper limit temperature, voltage reduction is necessary in some cases, where a reduced maximum voltage is referred to as temperature-dependent reduced voltage.
• Current that charges or discharges from the capacitor in a rapid charge or discharge causes short-circuit failure, open failure, etc., thus leading to the degradation of the capacitor characteristics. Make sure that the capacitor is charged or discharges with a resistance of 20 Ω/V to 1000 Ω/V or more in series. In a withstand voltage test, service life test, etc., where numbers of the capacitors are connected in parallel, each capacitor must have a resistance of 20 Ω/V to 1000 Ω/V or more connected in series thereto.
• Make sure that a sharp element (a screw driver, solder iron, tweezers, a chassis edge, etc.) does not hit the capacitor surface.
• Do not apply an unnecessarily heavy load to the leads (for example, by reworking the leads).
• Accidentally dropping the capacitor on the floor may damage its characteristics. Do not use a capacitor when this happens. If you still use such a dropped capacitor, check its quality first.
• Be careful not to apply excessive force to the base of the leads of a lead-type capacitor. It causes the exterior resin near the base to crack.
• The chip-type capacitor has been developed under the assumption that it will be used as an ordinary surface-mounted component. Avoid using a capacitor in an unusual configuration (e.g., stacking the capacitors in two layers, setting the capacitor in a standing position, etc.). When you intend to use the capacitor in an unusual configuration, please contact us in advance.
• Take care to prevent water or dust from adhering to the terminal surface of the capacitor. Water or dust on the terminal causes current leakage, corrosion, etc.
• The capacitor emits a humming sound created by mechanical vibration of the dielectric film caused by a coulomb force between the positive and negative electrodes. In particular, the humming sound, in the form of a sound wave containing a source voltage distortion or harmonic component, is heard as a high-tone sound. From the viewpoint of electrical characteristics, it poses no problem. However, when the capacitor is used at a frequency close to the audible frequency, check the humming sound.
• When the capacitor is used as a capacitor for preventing noise from an AC power supply (across-the-line capacitor), a source voltage is constantly applied to the capacitor and a surge voltage, such as a lightning surge, is applied to the capacitor as well. This may cause the capacitor to ignite or generate smoke. For such capacitors inserted between power lines, strict safety standards are set by individual countries, using products conforming to the safety standards is mandatory. When you are looking for across-the-line capacitors for use in domestic equipment, use capacitors conforming to overseas certification standards or capacitors listed below.
• ECQE(F) : Rating 1000 V DC (125 V AC)
• ECQE(F) : Rating 1250 V DC (125 V AC)
• ECQE(F)/(B)/(T) : Rating 125 V AC (1A)
• ECQE(F)/(T) : Rating 250 V AC (2A)

Circuit design (working voltage)

• When the capacitor is used in an AC circuit, especially in a high-frequency circuit, the capacitor generates heat because of the alternating current flowing therethrough. If this self-heating by the capacitor is excessive, the capacitor may deteriorate or generate smoke or even ignite. Confirm the self-temperature rise value of the capacitor under the actual service condition and use the capacitor at the self-temperature rise value equal to or lower than the specified self-temperature rise value.
• Measure the self-temperature rise value at room temperature in a windless condition. Refer to the delivery specification sheet to check detailed information on the self-temperature rise value. The specified self-temperature rise value varies depending on capacitor types. For more detailed information about this matter, please contact us.
• Because the working temperature range of a capacitor varies depending on dielectric materials (film types), the working temperature range in which the capacitor can be used is specified for each capacitor type. Note, however, that working temperature ranges listed in a catalog are surface temperatures which are different from ambient temperatures. When using the capacitor, make sure that (ambient temperature + self-temperature rise value (within the specified value)), that is, the surface temperature of the capacitor is within the working temperature range.
• If the capacitor is used in a temperature condition above the working temperature range, its loss tangent (tan δ) gets larger, inducing self-heating, which leads to exceeding the allowable value. As a result, the dielectric film deteriorates which can cause a short circuit failure that may lead to smoke generation or ignition. When a heat dissipation plate of a different component or resistance generating high heat is present near the capacitor, radiant heat from such an element is applied to a part of the capacitor, in which case the temperature of the capacitor can exceed the working temperature range and smoke generation or ignition may occur. Make sure to check the surface temperature of elements that serve as a heat source.

Board design

• The chip-type laminated film capacitor is mounted directly on the board without a lead interposed between the capacitor and the board. Because of this configuration, if the thermal expansion coefficient of the capacitor and that of the board differ widely, due to temperature change, etc., after chip mounting, it creates mechanical stress which is applied to the capacitor. This deforms the capacitor body or cracks its soldered part, thus impairing its performance. Examine and check the capacitor sufficiently before mounting it on the board. In particular, when using a ceramic board, please contact us before mounting the capacitor.

• Type	Chip-type laminated film capacitor			Resin board				Ceramic board
  Item	ECHU(X)/(C) (PPS film)	ECWU(X)/(C) (PEN film)	ECPU(A) (Plastic film)	Paper phenol	Paper epoxy	Glass epoxy	Alumina
  Thermal expansion coefficient (×10-6/°C)	22	10	70	1~30	1~15	1~25	7~8

• Radiant heat from a heat-carrying component present near the capacitor may raise the temperature of the capacitor above the category temperature range. Be careful in such cases. The chip-type capacitor does not have the outer casing that the lead-type capacitor has. If an exposed part of a live component is present near the capacitor, a short circuit may be created through the capacitor. Exercise special caution when determining the location of the capacitor.
• If the land area of the capacitor is large, a tombstone phenomenon (chip rising) is likely to occur when the volume of solder is not proper. Give each type of capacitor recommended land dimensions as much as possible, even though it is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of ensuring the mounter has sufficient mount clearance.

Mounting conditions (chip-type) * Target capacitors: ECHU, ECWU, and ECPU

• In the flow soldering process, a chip component is dipped in melted solder and resulting in a high temperature of the component. The film capacitor has low resistance to heat. Avoid soldering it using the flow soldering process. Applying heat directly to a capacitor from the lower surface of the printed board for repair work (using a hot plate, etc.) may result in the degradation of the capacitor. This process must also be avoided.

Mounting conditions (lead-type) * Target capacitors: ECQE, ECWF, ECWH, and ECQU

• The heat-resistant temperature of a capacitor varies depending on the type of a dielectric film used and on the structure and manufacturing method of the capacitor. When mounting the capacitor on a board, set the mounting temperature such that the internal temperature of the capacitor (see the figure on the right) is equal to or lower than the mounting heat-resistant temperature listed in the following table.

• Dielectric material	Type	Mounting heat-resistant temperature (peak value)
  		Measurement position A	Measurement position B
  Polypropylene-based	ECWF(L) 400 V / 0.022 µF to 0.11 µF, ECWF(L) 630 V / 0.01 µF to 0.043 µF, ECWF(A)	135 °C	125 °C
  	ECWF(L) 400 V / 0.12 µF to 2.4 μF, ECWF(L) 630 V / 0.047 µF to 1.3 µF, ECWFE 630 V, ECWFG 630 V	145 °C	125 °C
  	ECWH(A), ECWH(V), ECWFD 630 V	135 °C	125 °C
  	ECWH(C)	140 °C	125 °C
  	ECWFD 450 V	135 °C	125 °C
  Polyester-based	ECQUA, ECWFE 450 V	120 °C
  	ECQE(F) ECQE(B), ECQE(T), ECQUL, ECQUG	160 °C	–

• Set temperature conditions for soldering within the ranges shown in the graph on the right (make sure to confirm that the set temperature conditions are equal to or lower than the mounting heat-resistant temperature because temperature conditions vary significantly depending on the equipment structure). Carry out no more than two soldering cycles and in such a way that the second soldering cycle is only carried out after the capacitor temperature returns to a normal temperature following the end of the first cycle.

• Printed circuit board	Board thickness of 0.8 mm or more
  Preheating	At 120 °C or less for 1 minute or less (the preheating time and final temperature reached around the land on the back of the board)
  Capacitor body (processed product)	There is a certain type of capacitor that must be lifted upward from the printed board.

• Since the mounting heat-resistant temperature of the capacitor is low, avoid running the capacitor through an adhesive curing oven for fixing chip components. In the oven, the capacitor is exposed to heat higher than the mounting heat-resistant temperature, which causes the dielectric film to thermally shrink, thus causing a short failure. When a film capacitor is used with chip components, mount the film capacitor and solder it after the adhesive has cured. Do not perform reflow soldering for the capacitor. During reflow soldering, if heat higher than the mounting heat-resistant temperature is applied to the capacitor, it could damage the exterior resin and impair the capacitor characteristics.

Storage conditions

• Do not store the capacitor in a place where moisture, dust, or corrosive gas (hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, etc.) is present. It may impair the solderability of the external electrodes.
• Avoid a high-temperature/high-humidity place and keep the capacitor in a place where the temperature/humidity condition is controlled at 35 °C and 85%RH or lower.
• A capacitor kept in storage for a long period will have oxidized leads surface resulting in lower solderability. Make the storage period as short as possible (about 6 months).
• Storage conditions vary depending on capacitor types. For more detailed information, please contact us.

Reference information

Guidelines

• Before using the capacitor, make sure to acquire our delivery specification sheet and confirm service conditions. If you find measurement values exceeding specified values in the specification sheet or have any question, feel free to contact us. We also advise you to refer to RCR-1001B "Safety Application Guide on Components for Use in Electronic and Electrical Equipment" and JEITA RCR-2350D "Safety Application Guide for Fixed Plastic Film Capacitors for Use in Electronic Equipment."