Tantalum and niobium technology overview

Recent developments in tantalum technology have resulted in a new type of solid electrolyte capacitor based upon niobium oxide. Capacitors made from niobium oxide powder exhibit interesting features to the end users such as significantly reduced ignition failure mode, better load resistance, reduced cost etc. This paper gives an overview of the current "state of the art" on this technology and also identifies key future development directions for the medium and long term.