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- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Product Overview of LIC1320Q3R8127 Supercapacitor
The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor operates as a 3.8V, 120 Farad energy storage device based on electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) technology. Understanding its functional principles and design parameters is essential for engineers and technical specialists tasked with component selection and system integration in power-sensitive applications.
EDLCs store energy electrostatically by forming two layers of charge carriers—ions and electrons—at the interface between an electrolyte and porous carbon-based electrodes. Unlike conventional electrolytic capacitors which rely on dielectric properties, EDLC capacitance scales with the effective surface area of the electrodes and ion accessibility within the pores. This fundamental mechanism enables values of capacitance in the order of hundreds of Farads at relatively low voltage ratings, typically below 5V, as is the case with this component’s 3.8V maximum rating.
The nominal capacitance of 120 Farads indicates the LIC1320Q3R8127 stores a substantial amount of charge, rendering it well suited for short-term energy buffering and rapid charge/discharge cycles. The relatively low equivalent series resistance (ESR), a critical parameter describing the internal resistance that affects power delivery and efficiency, supports high pulse current applications with minimized voltage drop and power loss. This makes the device advantageous in systems requiring quick bursts of high current, such as power backup modules or regenerative energy capture circuits in energy harvesting.
Structurally, the LIC1320Q3R8127 is packaged as a radial, through-hole component within a cylindrical metal can, facilitating mechanical robustness and thermal dissipation. This package style impacts the device’s thermal resistance, a key consideration under high current pulse loads, as internal heating can degrade performance and service life. The metal casing aids thermal conduction away from the active cell, helping maintain operational stability in environments with cyclic or peak power demands.
The 3.8V voltage rating is an intrinsic limitation of the EDLC chemistry used; exceeding this voltage risks electrolyte decomposition and reduced component longevity. Therefore, system-level design must include voltage balancing and protection circuitry when multiple cells are stacked in series to achieve higher voltage levels. The radial terminal arrangement mandates specific PCB layout considerations, ensuring low-inductance connections and maintaining signal integrity in high-frequency transient conditions.
In applications such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), load leveling for batteries, and peak power assist in renewable energy systems, the LIC1320Q3R8127’s high capacitance and low ESR characteristics facilitate rapid charge acceptance and discharge, improving overall system responsiveness. However, energy density per volume remains lower than chemical batteries, implying trade-offs in size when substituting or supplementing traditional energy storage. Engineers must assess system energy and power requirement profiles carefully to determine the suitability of this supercapacitor, including the implications of temperature-dependent performance shifts and self-discharge rates common to EDLCs.
In summary, the LIC1320Q3R8127 integrates EDLC technology in a robust mechanical form factor to deliver high-capacitance, low ESR capabilities at moderate voltage. Its design optimizes rapid energy exchange efficiency, particularly in systems subjected to frequent cycling and power pulses. Integration considerations encompass thermal management, voltage regulation, and PCB layout optimization critical for leveraging its electrical characteristics effectively within engineering designs.
Electrical Characteristics and Performance Parameters of LIC1320Q3R8127
The LIC1320Q3R8127 is a specific model of electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC), commonly referred to as a supercapacitor, designed to offer high capacitance at a relatively low voltage rating. Its key electrical and performance parameters—rated voltage, capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and operational lifetime—reflect the underlying electrochemical principles and engineering trade-offs critical for system-level application decisions.
The nominal capacitance of 120 farads (F) at a rated voltage of 3.8 volts (V) situates this device within the medium-capacity supercapacitor range, suitable for energy storage and rapid charge-discharge cycles. In EDLCs, capacitance arises primarily from the formation of electric double layers at the interface between activated carbon electrodes and the electrolyte, a physical adsorption phenomenon rather than the charge separation found in conventional dielectric capacitors. High capacitance values correspond to larger electrode surface areas and optimized pore structures that maximize ion-accessible surfaces. However, increasing capacitance is typically accompanied by physical size increments and can exacerbate ESR-related losses if electrode and electrolyte materials, or electrode thickness, are not carefully balanced.
The ESR parameter, measured at 95 milliohms (mΩ) at 1 kHz, is indicative of internal resistive losses and is pivotal in determining the device's power handling capability and efficiency during rapid energy exchanges. ESR in supercapacitors includes contributions from ionic resistance in the electrolyte, electronic resistance in the electrode material, contact resistance at interfaces, and leads/connectors. The choice of measurement frequency at 1 kHz is standard for assessing dynamic resistance relevant to high-frequency or transient loads. An ESR of 95 mΩ at this frequency allows the LIC1320Q3R8127 to deliver substantial current pulses with reduced voltage drop and heat generation, characteristics favorable for applications involving power buffering, peak power support, or regenerative braking energy capture. Nonetheless, practitioners should consider that ESR tends to increase with temperature and aging, potentially impacting performance over time.
Thermal endurance and rated operational lifetime are specified as 1000 hours at 85°C. This rating reflects the capacitor's ability to maintain capacitance, ESR, and leakage current within acceptable limits under accelerated thermal stress conditions. Practical deployment scenarios might expose the device to varying temperature cycles and electrical stress; therefore, the 85°C, 1000-hour metric facilitates extrapolation to expected service life using Arrhenius-type models. The EDLC's performance degradation mechanisms often involve electrolyte decomposition, electrode oxidation, or current collector corrosion, all accelerated by heat and voltage stress. Engineers must therefore assess system-level thermal management and voltage derating strategies to ensure longevity aligns with design requirements.
Capacitance tolerance is not explicitly specified for this model, but typical EDLC tolerances range between ±20% and ±30%, reflecting variations in manufacturing and measurement conditions. This variability underscores the importance of selecting capacitors with tighter tolerance ratings when system accuracy or predictable energy delivery is critical. Additionally, capacitance values can shift with temperature and frequency; at higher frequencies, the effective capacitance often decreases due to limited ion mobility, whereas temperature variations influence electrolyte conductivity and electrode kinetics.
From a selection perspective, the LIC1320Q3R8127’s electrical profile suits roles where energy density and rapid charge-discharge cycles outweigh high-voltage operation or ultra-low ESR demands seen in pulse power modules or hybrid energy storage systems. Its moderate ESR suggests that in designs requiring sustained high-current output beyond short bursts, parallel capacitor configurations or hybrids incorporating batteries may be necessary to mitigate voltage sag or thermal buildup. The 3.8 V rating aligns with common stack voltages in DC bus systems, permitting series or parallel arrangements to tailor voltage and capacity characteristics in applications such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), electric vehicles’ auxiliary power units, or grid stabilization modules.
Complexities in integrating supercapacitors like the LIC1320Q3R8127 include managing voltage balancing in series strings, mitigating self-discharge effects intrinsic to EDLC chemistry, and ensuring thorough thermal design to avoid accelerated aging. Understanding the interplay between ESR, capacitance, and temperature behavior informs trade-offs between size, weight, and reliability parameters in embedded power electronics.
In summary, evaluating the LIC1320Q3R8127’s parameters through the lens of electrochemical principles and thermal-electrical dynamics enables informed decisions on its applicability in transient power support, energy harvesting, and buffering applications. Considerations of ESR dynamics, lifetime under operating conditions, and capacitance tolerance are fundamental to optimizing system integration and ensuring long-term performance stability in practical engineering contexts.
Mechanical Specifications and Packaging of LIC1320Q3R8127
The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor employs a radial lead configuration designed for through-hole mounting on printed circuit boards (PCBs). This structural format features two leads extending from a common base on one side of the cylindrical can, enabling direct insertion into PCB holes followed by soldering on the opposite side. Radial lead designs facilitate straightforward mechanical fixation and reliable electrical connection, commonly preferred where board layout constraints and assembly processes favor vertical insertion rather than surface mounting. The lead diameter and spacing are critical to maintaining mechanical stability and ensuring compatibility with standard PCB hole patterns.
The device's compact cylindrical packaging possesses a nominal diameter of 13.00 mm (0.512 inches) and a height of 21.50 mm (0.846 inches), creating a modest footprint that balances electrical capacity with spatial demand. The lead spacing is specified at 5.00 mm (0.197 inches), a parameter directly influencing board hole layout and solder joint accessibility. This spatial configuration aligns with typical standards for medium-size supercapacitors, providing design engineers with predictable mechanical clearance and thermal conduction paths within constrained spaces.
Structurally, the cylindrical can acts as both an enclosing shell and a thermal conduction medium. Metallic casing materials, often aluminum alloys, provide mechanical robustness that protects internal electrode structures from physical stress and environmental contaminants while also facilitating heat dissipation generated by operational current flow and equivalent series resistance (ESR) losses. Heat evacuation through the can reduces thermal gradients inside the device, thereby limiting the risk of accelerated aging or capacitance degradation during continuous high-load use.
The radial lead approach combined with cylindrical packaging affects several practical design considerations. From an assembly standpoint, through-hole mounting is associated with stronger mechanical bonds compared to surface-mount alternatives, which can be advantageous in environments subject to vibration or mechanical shock. However, through-hole components generally occupy more vertical real estate along the board thickness dimension, requiring early integration into mechanical CAD models to assess enclosure compatibility.
Thermal management considerations influence both material selection and layout planning. The thermal conductivity path extends from the internal electrode layers to the outer can, then through the air or PCB substrate. PCB designers might incorporate thermal vias or strategically position the supercapacitor near metallic ground planes to enhance conduction away from the device. The device’s small size limits its absolute thermal dissipation capacity, signaling that maximum current and ripple current ratings should be examined carefully in relation to operational temperature rise.
The relatively narrow lead spacing bears implications for electrical isolation and soldering processes. Tight lead pitch calls for controlled solder paste application and precise reflow or wave solder profiles to avoid bridging or cold joints. Engineers must also verify dielectric stand-off distances to neighboring components to maintain reliable insulation withstand under maximum rated voltages.
Integration of the LIC1320Q3R8127 in power electronics or energy storage circuits typically demands balancing the component’s electrical parameters—capacitance, ESR, ripple current—with mechanical packaging constraints. Devices with similar volumetric dimensions may vary widely in capacitance and surge current capacity depending on electrode material, dielectric thickness, and terminal configuration. The compact radial lead cylindrical form reflects a design compromise optimizing ease of assembly, mechanical durability, and thermal management over purely volumetric energy density or minimal footprint.
Within applications that require axial space optimization, such as densely packed power converters, backup power modules, or pulse power systems, this packaging style supports vertical stacking or placement alongside other through-hole components without excessive lateral intrusion. The form factor is less suited to applications favoring minimal board height profiles or fully automated surface-mount processes but can offer reliability advantages in robust power conditioning environments.
Overall, the mechanical specifications of LIC1320Q3R8127 highlight an interplay between packaging geometry, electrical terminal configuration, and thermal management that impact design integration approaches. Selection between radial lead cylindrical supercapacitors and alternative surface-mount or prismatic packaging should consider assembly methodology, mechanical stresses during operation, thermal dissipation requirements, and available PCB space, ensuring device performance and reliability within the targeted application envelope.
Thermal and Environmental Operating Conditions for LIC1320Q3R8127
The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor, part of the LIC series, demonstrates specific thermal and environmental operating characteristics that influence its selection and deployment in electronic power storage applications. Understanding these parameters facilitates effective integration of the device into systems with distinct thermal profiles, mechanical mounting requirements, and regulatory constraints.
Operational temperature range serves as a fundamental design parameter, defining the ambient conditions under which the LIC1320Q3R8127 can sustain continuous functional performance and maintain expected electrical parameters such as capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and leakage current. This supercapacitor is rated for continuous ambient operation from -20°C to 65°C, indicating the device’s electrochemical cells and packaging maintain stability within this range without accelerated degradation. The lower limit of -20°C ensures that ion mobility and electrolyte properties remain adequate for energy storage and delivery, while the upper bound of 65°C approximates a threshold where thermal stress-induced aging mechanisms such as electrolyte evaporation or electrode degradation start increasing significantly.
Beyond the nominal operating range, the device’s rated lifetime at an elevated temperature point of 85°C provides insight into its transient thermal tolerance and aging characteristics under harsher conditions. Supercapacitor lifetimes are often specified by a standardized model correlating temperature and voltage with expected degradation rates, frequently derived from the Arrhenius equation describing thermally activated chemical reaction rates within the cell. Operating at 85°C accelerates aging phenomena like electrolyte breakdown, increased leakage current, and reduced capacitance retention. This lifetime rating suggests the LIC1320Q3R8127 can endure short-term thermal excursions for applications exposed to transient temperature spikes, for instance, enclosures with limited cooling or nearby heat-generating components, though continuous operation at this elevated temperature would reduce overall service life.
Compliance with RoHS3 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) protocols signals that the device’s construction avoids or minimizes hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and certain phthalates above regulated thresholds. This influences material selection in components like electrode foils, electrolytes, and packaging, aligning the product with environmental regulations that affect product lifecycle management, recyclability, and safe disposal. From a procurement and product sustainability perspective, RoHS3 compliance informs design strategies aimed at fulfilling environmental directives in consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial systems.
Regarding moisture sensitivity, the LIC1320Q3R8127 is categorized as not applicable under Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) classifications. MSL ratings assess the risk of moisture-induced damage during soldering or reflow processes, particularly for surface-mount components where absorbed moisture can vaporize and cause internal cracking or delamination. The through-hole construction of this supercapacitor reduces vulnerability to moisture uptake through encapsulation and larger package volume, mitigating typical failure modes related to hygroscopic expansion under thermal cycling. This characteristic simplifies handling and storage requirements in manufacturing environments and reduces risks related to reflow soldering moisture damage, common considerations in supply chain and assembly process planning.
Collectively, these parameters underscore design trade-offs inherent in supercapacitor applications: balancing thermal endurance with mechanical packaging constraints and environmental compliance demands. In systems where temperature profiles occasionally exceed nominal ratings, transient thermal tolerance data permits engineering judgment on mean-time-to-failure and maintenance intervals. Meanwhile, material compliance impacts long-term product stewardship and cross-border regulatory compatibility. Moisture sensitivity considerations affect assembly logistics and reliability assurance protocols. Awareness of these detailed operating conditions contributes to technically informed product selection and system-level reliability forecasting for engineers and procurement specialists tasked with integrating LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitors into varied industrial, automotive, or electronic energy storage solutions.
Applications and Usage Considerations for LIC1320Q3R8127
The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor presents a set of electrical and mechanical characteristics that determine its applicability within specific power storage and energy management systems. Understanding its fundamental electrical parameters—namely capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and voltage rating—and their interaction with physical configuration informs appropriate design choices and implementation strategies in engineered applications.
Capacitance, specified as a large value for the LIC1320Q3R8127, directly correlates to the device’s ability to store and release electrical charge. This capability is leveraged in scenarios necessitating rapid energy uptake and discharge cycles, such as pulse power applications where transient currents can spike over short durations. The supercapacitor’s low ESR minimizes internal energy loss during charge/discharge cycles and reduces heat generation, thereby enhancing efficiency and reliability. Low ESR also permits higher peak current delivery without excessive voltage droop, critical in regenerative braking systems where energy recuperation demands swift current handling.
The voltage rating of 3.8 volts per cell dictates the design approach for systems requiring higher working voltages. Implementing series configurations of multiple LIC1320Q3R8127 units becomes necessary to construct voltage stacks matching or exceeding system requirements typically found in backup power supplies or energy harvesting modules. However, series arrangements inherently produce challenges in cell balancing and voltage distribution. Uneven leakage currents or differences in internal resistance among cells can lead to voltage imbalances, resulting in overvoltage stress on individual capacitors. Employing passive or active balancing methods is therefore an essential engineering consideration to ensure stable operation and prolong device life.
The radial lead construction influences mechanical integration and thermal behavior within printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies. Through-hole mounting enabled by radial leads offers mechanical stability against vibrational or shock loads, which may be encountered in automotive or industrial environments. This configuration facilitates easier heat dissipation paths via the leads and PCB copper areas as opposed to surface-mounted device arrangements, impacting thermal management strategies that correlate with device lifetime expectations.
The rated elevated temperature lifetime of the LIC1320Q3R8127, typically specified at moderate to high operating temperatures, implies a design envelope where thermal conditions are controlled within a known range but may experience occasional excursions. The supercapacitor’s chemical and physical stability at elevated temperatures must be matched with system cooling methods or component placement to maintain performance reliability. Extended operation near maximum temperature ratings accelerates degradation mechanisms such as electrolyte evaporation or electrode corrosion, which manifest as increased ESR and reduced capacitance over time.
In practical engineering design, the LIC1320Q3R8127’s value emerges through balancing performance specifications against application constraints. Backup power supplies utilizing this supercapacitor gain the advantage of high energy density for short-term voltage maintenance during power interruptions, whereas regenerative braking controllers rely on rapid charge acceptance and discharge cycles made feasible by the device’s low ESR. Design trade-offs involve series string complexity for voltage scaling versus the need for balancing circuitry, and the choice of radial leads over surface mount devices hinges on mechanical robustness requirements and assembling practices.
Appreciation of these intertwined parameters guides selection strategies for engineers and technical procurement professionals aiming to match component capabilities with specific application demands, system integration constraints, and operational conditions. Detailed assessment of electrical load profiles, thermal environments, mechanical stresses, and maintenance or replacement cycles underpins the effective deployment of LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitors within advanced energy storage and pulse power solutions.
Quality Compliance and Standards for LIC1320Q3R8127
The component LIC1320Q3R8127, identified as a specific supercapacitor model, demonstrates compliance with several internationally recognized quality, environmental, and trade standards integral to its deployment in engineered systems. Understanding these aspects involves examining the regulatory frameworks, associated certification regimes, and trade classifications prerequisite to efficient selection, procurement, and integration of this component within electronic applications.
At the foundation, the designation of RoHS3 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, Directive 2015/863) compliance addresses the chemical composition criteria governing the presence of specified hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), with the addition of certain phthalates under the third iteration of the directive. This compliance necessitates material-level validation and supply chain traceability to ensure that the supercapacitor’s manufacturing processes and constituent materials adhere to these chemical limits. For engineers and procurement professionals, RoHS3 conformity supports product integration within markets enforcing restricted substances, reducing risk of regulatory nonconformance which could otherwise result in product recalls, import restrictions, or end-of-life processing complications.
The manufacturer’s alignment with quality management and environmental standards typically reflects adherence to frameworks such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems). ISO 9001 certification underscores structured process controls, risk-based quality assurance measures, and continuous improvement cycles in production. This affects component reliability parameters such as electrical performance consistency, manufacturing defect rates, and traceability, which are critical metrics when supercapacitors are deployed in precision power conditioning, energy harvesting, or memory backup functions. ISO 14001 compliance further incorporates environmental responsibility into production workflows, potentially influencing raw material sourcing, waste management, and energy efficiency of manufacturing, thus embedding sustainability considerations into product lifecycle. Recognizing these certifications assists technical procurement teams in vendor evaluation, particularly when supply chain transparency and environmental stewardship align with corporate governance or customer contractual requirements.
Trade classification codes assigned to LIC1320Q3R8127 inform customs documentation and import-export compliance. The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) EAR99 situates this component generally outside the scope of stringent dual-use or military-grade export controls under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This categorization simplifies export licensing considerations for commercial distribution, although situational due diligence regarding end-use and destination must still be observed. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code 8532.25.0080 categorizes the product within electrical capacitors, providing standardized nomenclature for customs valuation and duty assessment during cross-border trade. Awareness of these classifications enables procurement specialists to anticipate logistical timelines, tariff implications, and compliance documentation obligations relevant to international supply chains.
Integrating these regulatory and certification frameworks into component selection requires assessment beyond mere compliance checklists. The supercapacitor’s RoHS3 material constraints intersect with thermal and electrical design margins, as certain substitute materials or manufacturing processes may induce altered dielectric characteristics or durability performance. Quality management certifications provide indirect assurances of parametric stability and lifecycle integrity, yet engineering validation remains essential to assess tolerance to operational stressors such as temperature cycling, voltage transient exposure, and sizing for charge-discharge cycles. In parallel, trade classifications guide supply chain strategy but do not encompass product performance criteria; thus, they function as administrative enablers rather than technical selectors.
For practitioners evaluating LIC1320Q3R8127 within system architectures, correlating compliance aspects with application-level requirements ensures alignment of procurement, manufacturing, and deployment activities. For example, incorporating RoHS3-compliant supercapacitors streamlines integration within electronic assemblies targeted for European Union markets or other jurisdictions adopting similar directives. Quality management adherence by manufacturers often correlates with improved metrics in failure rates and warranty claims, influencing lifecycle cost analyses. Trade classifications assist in logistical planning and risk mitigation surrounding export control regulations and customs clearance, particularly in multi-national supply environments.
Addressing potential engineering challenges emerging from these compliance factors involves balancing performance trade-offs introduced by restricted substance alternatives and process variations. Additionally, specifying components from vendors with recognized certifications supports traceability and accountability but necessitates maintaining open communication channels for specification updates, audit outcomes, and change notifications. Understanding the nuanced implications of these standards and classifications enhances decision-making precision in component selection while aligning technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations intrinsic to advanced electronic product development.
Conclusion
The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor, manufactured by CDA (Zhifengwei Technology), is designed as a cylindrical through-hole component primarily intended for energy storage applications demanding a balance among capacitance, voltage rating, and equivalent series resistance (ESR). A fundamental understanding of these parameters and the interrelated design choices supports informed selection and integration into power electronics systems, regenerative braking circuits, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and load-leveling functions.
Capacitance rating defines the total charge storage capacity under the specified voltage, influencing the energy density and duration of power delivery during transient events. In the LIC1320Q3R8127, the capacitance value situates the device within a category suitable for moderate duration energy buffering rather than long-term bulk energy storage, which aligns with applications where rapid charge-discharge cycles are frequent. The voltage rating reflects the maximum continuous operating voltage threshold the supercapacitor can sustain without degradation or dielectric breakdown. Positioned at a moderate voltage level, this device accommodates typical 5 V to 16 V bus voltages commonly found in embedded systems or industrial control units, avoiding the complexity and cost of series cell balancing inherent in higher voltage stacks.
Equivalent series resistance (ESR) is a critical parameter impacting the supercapacitor's power capability and thermal performance. Resistive losses within the cell translate directly into self-heating during pulse discharge or rapid charge events. The LIC1320Q3R8127 exhibits an ESR profile optimized to minimize the trade-off between achievable capacitance per volume and resistive dissipation, supporting effective power delivery within thermal design limits. Engineers selecting this component must consider the effect of ESR on ripple current ratings and temperature rise during operation, especially in designs with constrained cooling or high-frequency pulsed loads.
The cylindrical through-hole package format chosen for this model represents a balance between mechanical robustness, ease of mounting in standard printed circuit boards (PCBs), and manageable thermal dissipation paths. Cylindrical capacitors often provide superior internal pressure containment and consistent electrolyte distribution compared to prismatic or pouch formats, resulting in predictable ageing and failure modes under defined environmental stresses. The through-hole lead configuration enhances mechanical mounting strength and electrical conductivity, which is beneficial in applications subject to vibration or mechanical shock, such as automotive or industrial machinery.
Compliance with environmental and quality standards—covering RoHS directives, thermal cycling endurance, and humidity resistance—ensures reliable operation over the expected lifecycle and within specified thermal envelopes. Practitioners should assess the thermal derating curves and recommended operating temperature ranges to avoid premature diminishment of capacitance and increase in ESR due to electrolyte drying or chemical degradation. Thermal management strategies incorporating PCB layout, heat sinking, and airflow routing become relevant factors when deploying these supercapacitors in densely packed power modules.
When integrating the LIC1320Q3R8127 into energy storage subsystems, system-level considerations include the effect of capacitance tolerance on charge balancing, the transient response dictated by the internal resistance network, and the physical footprint in relation to available PCB space. Multiple units may be connected in series or parallel configurations to achieve higher voltage or capacitance, but the designer must accommodate balancing resistors or active balancing circuits to mitigate uneven voltage distribution and capacity fading. The product's moderate voltage rating simplifies many integration challenges compared to high-voltage stacks but limits its standalone use in higher voltage domains without additional voltage management circuitry.
In practice, the selection of this capacitor profile often reflects a compromise among volumetric energy density, allowable ripple current, and cycle life within a defined cost envelope. Systems requiring frequent rapid charge-discharge cycles benefit from the relatively low ESR and stable mechanical design, provided that operating temperatures remain controlled within the spec limits. Understanding these engineering trade-offs facilitates optimized component selection tailored to the electrical loads, mechanical environment, and thermal constraints characteristic of each application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the nominal capacitance and voltage rating of the LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor?
A1. The LIC1320Q3R8127 supercapacitor features a nominal capacitance of 120 Farads and a rated voltage of 3.8 volts. The specified capacitance denotes the energy storage capacity based on standardized testing conditions, typically measured at low frequency to minimize impedance effects. The nominal voltage rating represents the maximum continuous DC voltage that can be applied without degrading the dielectric or electrolyte materials, ensuring reliable operation over the device’s expected lifetime. These parameters define the device’s basic energy storage envelope and dictate its applicability in circuits requiring substantial charge storage at relatively low voltages.
Q2. What is the ESR value at which the LIC1320Q3R8127 is specified, and why is this important?
A2. The Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of the LIC1320Q3R8127 is specified as 95 milliohms at 1 kHz. ESR is a composite parameter reflecting resistive losses within the electrode materials, electrolyte, and current collectors that appear in series with the ideal capacitance. This resistance directly impacts efficiency during charge-discharge cycles by generating heat and limiting peak current delivery. A lower ESR facilitates quicker transient response and reduces power dissipation, improving the supercapacitor’s ability to deliver pulse currents in applications such as energy buffering or regenerative braking. At 1 kHz, the ESR value provides a representative measurement of the device’s behavior under rapid cycling conditions, relevant for high-frequency or pulsed load environments.
Q3. What are the size dimensions and mounting type of the LIC1320Q3R8127?
A3. The LIC1320Q3R8127 has a cylindrical form factor with a diameter of 13 mm and height of 21.5 mm. The lead spacing measures 5 mm, designed for through-hole mounting with radial leads extending from the base. The through-hole construction provides mechanical robustness and ease of soldering on printed circuit boards (PCBs) where component vibration or mechanical stresses are significant. Radial leads help maintain a compact footprint while supporting stable electrical connections and thermal conduction paths through the PCB. Physical size is a key consideration for design engineers balancing volumetric constraints against energy storage requirements in embedded systems or power modules.
Q4. What is the operating temperature range and expected lifetime of the LIC1320Q3R8127?
A4. The operating temperature range is specified between -20°C and 65°C. The expected lifetime, defined under accelerated aging conditions at 85°C, is rated at 1,000 hours. Lifetime ratings in supercapacitors are influenced by electrolyte stability, electrode degradation, and seal integrity, which tend to accelerate at elevated temperatures. The rating under 85°C implies an accelerated use scenario rather than continuous operation at this temperature; actual field lifetimes at lower ambient temperatures are typically longer, following Arrhenius-type degradation kinetics. Operating beyond specified temperature limits can accelerate ESR increase, capacitance loss, and potential leakage current rise, constraining reliable performance. Design judgments must account for heat dissipation mechanisms and ambient conditions to maintain device longevity.
Q5. Is the LIC1320Q3R8127 compliant with environmental standards?
A5. The component complies with RoHS3 directives, which regulate and restrict the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and certain brominated flame retardants. Compliance with RoHS3 supports design requirements for environmentally sensitive applications and end-of-life recycling considerations. Selection of RoHS-compliant supercapacitors aligns with broader industry trends to reduce toxic materials in electronic components, ensuring compatibility with international regulations and customer-driven sustainability mandates.
Q6. How does the packaging design support thermal management?
A6. The LIC1320Q3R8127 employs a radial can packaging design made of conductive metal, which provides enhanced structural integrity and thermal conduction paths away from the active electrode materials. This metallic enclosure facilitates efficient heat dissipation during charge-discharge cycles, especially under rapid current pulse conditions where joule heating from ESR losses can elevate internal temperatures. The can also offers mechanical protection against vibration and environmental contamination. Thermal management in supercapacitors is critical since increased temperature accelerates aging and impedance growth; therefore, packaging that supports heat transfer to the PCB or ambient environment plays a role in maintaining stable electrical performance and extending device life.
Q7. Can LIC1320Q3R8127 capacitors be connected in series for higher voltage applications?
A7. Series connection of LIC1320Q3R8127 units is possible to achieve higher voltage ratings beyond the single cell limit of 3.8 V per device. However, series configurations introduce challenges related to voltage balancing because individual supercapacitors may exhibit variations in capacitance, leakage current, and ESR. Without appropriate passive (resistive) or active balancing circuits, the voltage across each cell can become uneven during charge and discharge, risking overvoltage stress on weaker cells leading to premature failure. Engineering practice commonly incorporates balancing resistors or dedicated active management circuits to monitor and equalize cell voltages dynamically. The trade-off involves additional components, increased system complexity, and power loss in balancing resistors, which must be weighed against the voltage requirements of the application.
Q8. What types of applications are best suited for the LIC1320Q3R8127?
A8. The LIC1320Q3R8127 is suitable for energy storage applications requiring rapid charge and discharge capabilities with high cycle life and moderate energy density. Typical use cases include backup power supply for memory or real-time clock retention, pulse power delivery in sensor or actuator systems, energy harvesting storage buffers in renewable energy conversion, and regenerative braking in transportation systems. Its operational voltage and capacitance values target systems where instantaneous power release is prioritized over prolonged energy discharge, and where device robustness to frequent cycling is critical. Selection in these contexts must consider system voltage levels, required energy throughput, thermal environment, and expected operational duty cycles to ensure alignment with device capabilities.
Q9. What is the Moisture Sensitivity Level of the LIC1320Q3R8127 and its implications?
A9. The Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) specification is not applicable to the LIC1320Q3R8127 because it is a through-hole component. Surface-mount devices often require MSL ratings due to susceptibility to moisture absorption and subsequent damage during solder reflow processes. In contrast, through-hole parts generally experience lower risk of moisture-induced defects and do not require baking or controlled storage to the same degree. This characteristic simplifies handling and storage logistics in manufacturing environments but does not eliminate standard best practices such as controlled humidity storage and avoidance of mechanical damage during assembly.
Q10. Are there any specific handling recommendations based on the LIC1320Q3R8127’s specifications?
A10. Handling recommendations focus on preserving lead integrity and ensuring thermal dissipation efficiency during assembly and operation. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions consistent with standard practices prevent possible damage to sensitive internal structures. Mechanical stresses on radial leads during insertion or soldering can cause intermittent connections or fractures; thus, careful alignment and controlled soldering profiles are advised. Additionally, the component’s thermal performance depends partly on maintaining good contact with the PCB and avoiding insulation or other materials impeding heat flow. Heat dissipation considerations become more critical in designs where the supercapacitor undergoes rapid cycling or elevated ambient temperatures, highlighting the need for ensuring adequate ventilation or thermal conduction paths in the mechanical layout.
