IEC 60384-15:2017

Overview

IEC 60384-15:2017 is the sectional specification in the IEC 60384 series that defines requirements for fixed tantalum capacitors (through‑hole/leaded) using solid or non‑solid electrolyte. It applies to both polar and bipolar tantalum electrolyte capacitors intended for electronic equipment, covering general‑purpose and long‑life application classes. The document prescribes preferred ratings and characteristics and references IEC 60384‑1:2016 for selecting the appropriate quality‑assessment procedures, tests and measuring methods.

This edition (2017) revises the structure to align with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 and updates Clause 4 and the tables to remove duplications and contradictions.

Key Topics

• Scope and definitions for tantalum fixed capacitors (solid/non‑solid electrolyte, leaded/through‑hole, polar/bipolar).
• Preferred ratings and characteristics: nominal capacitance, tolerances, rated voltage, category voltage, surge and reverse voltages, rated temperature.
• Quality assessment procedures: primary manufacture checks, qualification approval, conformance inspection and sampling plans.
• Comprehensive test and measurement procedures, including:
  • Leakage current, capacitance and dissipation factor (tan δ)
  • Impedance and insulation resistance
  • Robustness of terminations, solderability and resistance to soldering heat
  • Environmental and mechanical tests: rapid temperature change, vibration, shock, bump
  • Climatic sequence, damp heat (steady state and cyclic), endurance and surge voltage tests
  • Reverse voltage, charge/discharge behavior and solvent/marking resistance
• Marking, packaging and information required for detail specifications and product identification.

Applications

IEC 60384‑15 is used to:

• Specify performance and reliability for tantalum capacitors in consumer, industrial and telecommunications electronics.
• Define test programs for component qualification and lot acceptance during manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance for capacitors intended for long‑life or general‑purpose circuits where stability, leakage and robustness matter (power supplies, timing circuits, filtering).

Who should use this standard

• Electronic component manufacturers producing tantalum capacitors
• Design engineers selecting fixed capacitors for PCB applications
• Quality, reliability and test engineers in component test labs
• Purchasing and compliance teams verifying supplier specifications

Related standards

• IEC 60384‑1:2016 (general requirements for fixed capacitors) - referenced for selecting tests and measuring methods
• Other parts of the IEC 60384 series covering different capacitor technologies and package types

Keywords: IEC 60384-15, tantalum capacitors, fixed capacitors, solid electrolyte, non-solid electrolyte, through-hole capacitors, quality assessment, capacitor testing, rated voltage, surge voltage.