ModCap Standard Series

ModCap has been designed to minimize the stray inductance. ModCap HF achieves values around 8 nH for the whole series. Thanks to its design, the capacitors can be fitted very near to the SiC power modules, thus producing very short lead lengths. This stops any substantial voltage overshoot at the semiconductor modules when the current is shut off. As a result, no snubber capacitors are needed.

ModCap HF is based on the previous design of ModCap MF although with a slightly different internal construction and 8 terminals to enhance the performance at HF and the power density. The unique metallization of the films maximizes self-healing capability while withstanding high current densities thanks to its reduced film width, thus reducing losses. The capacitor dimensions were designed for current and future SiC power modules to optimize the DC link unit's footprint in terms of dimensions and power, almost equal dimension to small construction of ModCap MF.

Up to 90 °C of hot-spot temperature can be achieved during operation as in the case of ModCap MF thanks to the use of high crystallinity BOPP and our fine-tuned automated process parameters. New versions of ModCap HF to include high-temperature film is actually under development. 

As with ModCap MF TDK offers FEA simulations for ModCap HF for precise heat distribution in the capacitor, tailored to your specific electrical and mechanical conditions. TDK can simulate ModCap HF in customer setup, taking into account the electrical conditions and all other aspects that may have an influence, such as external electromagnetic interference, the cooling system, the mechanical assembly, and what is more importantly, the performance at HF together new generation of SiC semiconductors. 

As ModCap, all materials used in rail vehicles for passenger transport must meet the EN45545-2 standard to achieve the highest level of safety possible in the event of a fire. Railway vehicles are classified in accordance with the fire hazard level associated with their design and operation. 

The three hazard levels are: HL1, HL2, and HL3 with HL1 being the lowest requirement and HL3 being the highest. ModCap MF series meets the high requirements of the new European fire protection standard EN 45545-2, reaching safety levels up to HL3 in the requirement set applicable to power capacitors (R22, R23, and/or R24). 

Therefore, ModCap HF can even be installed in bunks and bed wagons that cross long tunnels and railway vehicles operating on underground tracks. 

ModCap HF, as well as ModCap MF, are recognized as UL approval. 

The basis for the use with high harmonics is the internal new generation bus bar included with ModCap HF. Thanks to its internal bus bar ModCap HF can handle the HF harmonics achieving a homogenous internal current distribution avoiding resonance effects.