Anode options in tantalum capacitors

Multi-anode approach is a way to significantly reduce ESR in tantalum capacitors, where more anode elements are used within one capacitor body. Individual anodes in the vertical design configuration are connected to the second electrode by silver glue epoxy to a second electrode lead frame. The horizontal design, on the other hand, requires a new solution to the problem of connection between the anodes, resulting in costly modifications of established technology. A novel multi-anode construction has been developed using two anodes in a horizontal mirror configuration. It uses a modified lead-frame shape, where the lead frame is positioned in the middle between the two anodes. This configuration solves the connection issues of the horizontal anodes and brings the manufacturing modification cost down to acceptable level. The other advantage of the mirror design is its symmetrical layout which helps to reduce self inductance (ESL).