RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers, has announced availability of the new HOTcap™ series of radial-leaded multilayer ceramic capacitors from Vishay that meets the extreme operating conditions demanded by automotive applications. The K…H series of high operating temperature, radial-leaded MLCCs offers unprecedented performance and reliability in a small package.

Utilising noble metal electrodes and high reliability multi-layer ceramic capacitor inserts, the K…H series features an unmatched maximum operating temperature of +175°C for all available ceramic dielectrics. These include: an ultra-stable C0G dielectric, which delivers a capacitance change of ±30ppm/K across the –55 to +175°C operating temperature range; and the X0U dielectric, which has a capacitance change of +22% to –56% across the temperature range.

Qualified according to AEC-Q200, the capacitors are highly suited for a range of automotive applications, including EMI filtering in various functional areas such as exhaust-gas and seat-position sensors; cable harnesses; and turbo-charger, throttle-valve and brake-system control.

Voltage ratings available are 50, 100 and 200V dc across both dielectrics. Capacitance values available range from 100pF up to 12,0000pF (50V dc) for the C0G dielectric devices, and from 47,000 up to 1,000,000pF (50V dc) for the X0U dielectric.

To accommodate extremely harsh operating conditions, the series is equipped with high-performance MLCC chips that have been manufactured using a wet-build process and feature noble metal electrodes, delivering high resistance to corrosion and oxidation. The capacitors offer straight or crimped leads with spacing of 2.5 and 5.0mm. The devices' lead wires measure 0.5 or 0.6mm and are constructed of 100% tinned copper-clad steel. The RoHS-compliant devices also offer a flame-retardant epoxy resin coating, in accordance with UL94V-0

A sample kit of the K…H MLCC series is also available, comprising a total of 24 capacitors with variants differing in voltage rating, capacitance value and dielectric. RS Components is one of first distributors to stock the K…H capacitors.