In summary, many Military/Aerospace applications require performance over the full temperature range of -55°C to +125°C. Type MLSH hermetic aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a rated nameplate voltage at +125°C; there is no need to de-rate them for voltage. In fact, at lower temperatures one can increase the applied voltage on the MLSH per the datasheet table. Wet tantalum capacitors have a nameplate voltage at 85°C. In order to use them at +125°C, wet tantalum capacitors must be de-rated by 33% of their 85°C rating. Hermetic aluminum electrolytic capacitors are available up to 250 VDC at +125°C; the maximum voltage for wet tantalum capacity technology is 85 VDC at 125°C. For applications exceeding 85 VDC @ 125°C, it is necessary to place wet tantalum capacitors in series to stand up to the voltage. When two capacitors of the same value are placed in series, the voltage capability doubles but the capacitance is cut in half. That effect reduces the capacitance for bulk storage and it becomes necessary to use large series-parallel banks of wet tantalum capacitors to meet the applied voltage at +125°C and to get the capacitance needed at -55°C. From a manufacturing standpoint, it simplifies board layout and reduces assembly costs going from multiple components to a single component. From a reliability standpoint, a single component solution enhances system reliability. Tantalum is a mined material that has been subjected to severe shortages. When shortages occur, price increases sharply and lead times are severely extended. Tantalum is also a conflict material, which makes it undesirable from a social responsibility standpoint. These are some of the problem areas associated with wet tantalum capacitors that CDE’s new hermetic aluminum capacitors are sure to alleviate.