As automobiles grow more sophisticated, they rely increasingly on advanced electronic systems to operate. These systems control everything from convenience features like keyless entry and automatic windows, to the correct functioning of the engine and control, such as fuel pumps and power steering. Every new advancement in the design and function of automobiles necessitates more advanced electronic controls. From steering to braking to seat height adjustment, if the car system begins with “power,” it probably employs capacitors.
Additionally, the rising popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles coupled with exciting developments in supercapacitor applications offer a glimpse into the future of automotive capacitors. These devices may soon find their way into nearly every aspect of automotive design. Capacitors show promise in building superior regenerative braking systems, improving acceleration in electric cars, and creating efficient mass transit systems that do not rely on fossil fuels.
If you’ve seen capacitors certified as “automotive grade,” you might wonder what exactly that certification entails. What does it say about the components and their quality? Will automotive-grade components perform well in your application? After all, when you’re working on a project, you want parts that meet your needs and perform their functions well, but you don’t want to pay extra for components that far exceed the demands of your project.
Commercial vs. Automotive Capacitors
The automotive standard for capacitors and other electronic components arose in the early 1990s as a response to the growth of the personal electronics sector. As electronic devices became more and more pervasive, components were in higher demand. In a surprising shift, automotive companies were no longer the primary buyers of electronic components.
As a result, manufacturers produced more and more components at varying levels of quality. A failure of a car’s electrical system can be a life-or-death affair,and the components endure harsh temperature conditions, weather, and other conditions. It is crucial that automotive components perform reliably no matter the circumstances.
Automotive Capacitors and the AEC-Q200 Standard
Eventually, the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC), an automotive industry organization, developed standards to ensure a category of components that met their safety and reliability requirements. Today, the standard that specifies automotive capacitors and other components is called AEC-Q200. This standard:
- Outlines the stress and performance tests that components must pass to be acceptable for use in automobiles.
- Details a variety of test parameters and minimum criteria.
- Divides components into five grades labeled 0-4.
5 Grades of Capacitor Applications and Temperature Parameters
The following chart summarizes the five grades, temperature parameters, and allowable applications for automotive capacitors and components. Grade 4 is the least stringent grade, and Grade 0 is the most stringent.
To gain certification, capacitors and other components must pass the following tests:
1. They must first pass a round of stringent electrical testing to make sure they function effectively.
2. Next, they are subjected to temperature tests to ensure they perform in high heat.
3. After the temperature testing, components need to pass a second set of electrical integrity tests.
4. Finally, the parts are also tested to standards for moisture, mechanical shock, vibration, and resistance to soldering heat.
Bottom Line on Automotive Grade Capacitors
The standard that defines “automotive grade” certification is rigorous. Meeting the requirements for AEC-Q200 certification is not easy, and users will know that approved components will perform reliably in a variety of extreme conditions. Despite the name, automotive grade parts are not limited to auto applications. An automotive capacitor may be an excellent choice for any application that will encounter difficult environments or extreme temperatures.