niob oxide capacitor (NbO)

Niobium (Nb) is a chemical element with atomic number 41, which belongs to the metallurgists and is used as anode material in capacitors. Niobium capacitors, also known as niobium oxide (NbO) or niobium capacitors, have comparable properties to tantalum capacitors.

The anode of niobium capacitors is made of niobium or niobium oxide ceramic, the dielectric is niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), and their cathode electrode is made of a solid polymer electrolyte. One advantage over tantalum capacitors is the much higher temperature range, from -55 °C to +125 °C, without any significant change in the characteristic values. Another interesting characteristic is the very long service life, which is well over 20 years. The operating voltage can be up to 80% of the nominal voltage.

NbO electrolytic capacitors are characterized by a high dielectric strength, which is 450 V/µm, and a permittivity, which is over 40. The rated voltage of the capacitor can be determined by changing the oxide film thickness. In the event of voltage flashovers within the capacitor, there is no short circuit, the corresponding point becomes highly resistive.