PEN Film Capacitors

PEN film capacitors are a type of capacitor where the dielectric (insulating) material is made from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and are suitable for high temperature applications and SMD (surface mount devices). This type of film capacitor is metallised and are similar to polyester film capacitors regarding temperature and frequency dependence. Metallised film has two very thin layers of metallisation, with plastic film as the dielectric. PEN film capacitors can have various packing case sizes including 1206 up to 6054 and capacitance range up to 4.7uF.

RS Components have a great range of capacitors including these PEN Film capacitors in various capacitance, voltage ratings and tolerances for all your electronics needs.

Types of plastic film capacitors

Film capacitors are non-polarised capacitors and they can also be known as plastic film capacitors, film dielectric capacitors and metallised film capacitors.There are several types of film capacitors based on the type of plastic dielectric material used in the capacitor.

• Polypropylene (PP) - best for self-healing, high tolerance and voltage resistance
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - higher melting temperature than PP, used for DC (Direct Current) applications or semi-critical circuits. and AC (Alternating Current) signal and power usage
• Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) - can withstand high temperatures, ideal for SMD applications where components are placed directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB)
• Polyphenylene sulphide (PSS) - also ideal for SMD applications, used in AC, DC and electronics circuits

Typical applications

The main advantage of using a film capacitor is that it has a very low distortion factor and exceptional frequency characteristics. PEN film capacitors are normally used in electronic circuits, SMD packaging and automotive lighting.