The Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan-headquartered Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd., operating under the leadership of President and CEO, Shinji Sakamoto, has announced its commercial production of its ZL Series, the industry’s first known high-capacitance type conductive polymer hybrid aluminum electrolytic capacitors, guaranteed to operate to +135°C.
Mass production is scheduled to begin in February 2024.
Engineered specifically for incorporation into the electronic control units (ECUs) of electric vehicles (xEVs), including hybrids, the ZL Series high-temperature automotive capacitors mark a significant industry R&D breakthrough.
Available in five unique sizes, these high-temperature capacitors are designed to mitigate circuit design constraints through enhanced heat management strategies. They do so, while also achieving a footprint that is one rank smaller than the existing standard ZC series products, and all while maintaining equivalent capacitance levels. Their robust design prioritizes ECU miniaturization and component reduction, in close alignment with industry-wide sustainability goals.
Among the most notable specifications of the ZL Series are its extended operational lifetime, a guaranteed 4,000 hours at both +125°C and +135°C (or 2,000 hours at +135°C for ø5 and ø6.3 sized capacitors). Additionally, the series offers an extended operating temperature range from -55°C to +135°C, making it suitable for a wider array of demanding automotive electronics applications. With a ripple current rating tested at 100 kHz, +125°C/135°C, and an ESR measured at 100 kHz, +20°C.). There and other combined features ensure their continued high-reliability and performance in higher temperature automotive electronics applications.
Conductive polymer hybrid aluminum electrolytic capacitors, known for their high capacitance and current-handling capabilities, play a vital role in reducing current noise and stabilizing circuit voltage in ECU power supply circuits. With over 100 units typically installed within a single xEV, these vital components drive advancements in vehicle electrification and advanced digitization.
As vehicle ECUs multiply and power demands surge—especially in ADAS, EPS, and automatic braking applications—a growing need exists for redundancy, leading to an uptick in capacitor usage per ECU. However, space limitations within vehicle bodies gives rise to a need for compact ECUs that can handle high currents, resulting in increased heat generation. As a result, high-temperature capacitors specified for these applications must be not only heat-resistant, but also smaller and offer higher capacitance than ever before.
Since 2012, Panasonic Industry has lead the industry in the mass production of conductive polymer hybrid aluminum electrolytic capacitors for high-temperature automotive applications. Leveraging the company’s R&D expertise, advancements in proprietary electrolyte formulations, and high-precision electrode foil winding techniques, Panasonic Industry is now poised to launch the ZL series as the industry’s first and only known high-temperature capacitors with guaranteed operation to +135°C for automotive applications.
Typical applications for the new Panasonic Industry ZL Series high-temperature automotive capacitors include the reduction of ripple current and voltage stabilization in DC/DC power supplies within ECUs, and most notably for ADAS, zone control units (ZCUs), and engine control systems. They also may be specific to help diminish ripple current within inverter control system circuits driving EPS, pumps, compressors, and motors.
For detailed specifications, pricing, or technical inquiries about the ZL series high-temperature automotive capacitors operating to +135°C, and other product technologies available from Panasonic Industry, please visit https://industrial.panasonic.com/ww/products-cap/polymer-capacitors/hybrid-aluminum/ZLseries-
Source/Photo Credit: Panasonic Industry
(Editor’s Note: All trademarks mentioned in this article, including company names, product names, and logos, are the property of their respective owners. Use of these trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement.)
