New KVC and LVB Series from Nippon Chemi-Con: High-Performance Snap-In Capacitors for OBC and Automotive Applications
Nippon Chemi-Con is expanding its portfolio of aluminium electrolytic capacitors for demanding automotive applications with the new KVC and LVB Snap-In series. These capacitors combine high capacitance, high ripple current capability and a vibration-resistant design. With rated voltages from 450 to 500 VDC and AEC-Q200 compliance, they are particularly suitable for On-Board Chargers (OBCs) in electric and hybrid vehicles as well as other high-performance power supplies.
As requirements for power, efficiency and power density in BEV and PHEV systems continue to increase, so do the demands placed on DC-link and smoothing capacitors. This is exactly where the new KVC and LVB series from Nippon Chemi-Con come into play.
Higher Ripple Current in the Same Case Size
One of the key advantages of the new generation is its increased ripple current capability.
Nippon Chemi-Con achieves this higher performance through measures including the use of a high-capacitance anode foil and a special design in which the cathode foil is in contact with the aluminium case.
Compared with the previous automotive series, this results in a significant increase in capacitance and permissible ripple current within a comparable case size.
Example at 450 VDC and Ø35 × 50 mm:
| Series | Capacitance | Ripple Current at 105 °C / 120 Hz |
|---|---|---|
| KVB | 740 µF | 2.30 Arms |
| KVC | 790 µF | 2.83 Arms |
| LVA | 710 µF | 2.25 Arms |
| LVB | 790 µF | 2.83 Arms |
This provides engineers with higher electrical load capability within virtually the same installation space.
Why Is Higher Ripple Current Capability Important?
In power electronics applications such as an On-Board Charger, the DC-link capacitor is subjected not only to DC voltage but also to an AC current component. This ripple current generates power losses and consequently causes internal heating of the capacitor.
A higher permissible ripple current can therefore provide several advantages:
- higher power density of the power supply,
- reduced thermal stress,
- potential reduction in the number of parallel-connected capacitors,
- reduced space requirements,
- fewer components and interconnections, and
- potential for more efficient and compact designs.
Whether the number of capacitors can actually be reduced must, of course, be evaluated based on the specific electrical and thermal operating conditions of the application.
Designed for High Vibration Loads
In automotive applications, high electrical performance alone is not sufficient.
KVC and LVB therefore feature a vibration-resistant design. Through optimisation of the material structure and mechanical design, the series meet AEC-Q200 requirements when the capacitor case is appropriately fixed.
Nippon Chemi-Con particularly targets applications such as:
On-Board Chargers (OBC) • Automotive Power Electronics • High-Voltage Power Supplies • AC/DC Converters • DC-Link Applications • Industrial Power Electronics
450, 475 and 500 VDC
Another important feature is the extended voltage range.
The series are available with standard rated voltages of 450 VDC, 475 VDC and 500 VDC. The additional 475 V and 500 V versions provide engineers with greater flexibility when designing modern high-voltage power supplies.
Technical Overview
| Feature | KVC | LVB |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitor | Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitor |
| Mounting Style | Snap-In | Snap-In |
| Rated Voltage | 450–500 VDC | 450–500 VDC |
| Capacitance Range | 150–790 µF | 150–790 µF |
| Temperature Range | −40 to +105 °C | −40 to +105 °C |
| Endurance at 105 °C | 3,000 h | 5,000 h |
| AEC-Q200 | Yes* | Yes* |
| Vibration-Resistant Design | Yes | Yes |
| Case Diameter | 25.4 / 30 / 35 mm | 25.4 / 30 / 35 mm |
| Main Applications | Automotive / OBC / Power | Automotive / OBC / Power |
* AEC-Q200-compliant vibration testing with the capacitor case fixed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
KVC or LVB – Which Series Is the Right Choice?
The main difference between the two product families is their specified endurance.
The KVC series is specified for 3,000 hours at 105 °C.
The LVB series provides 5,000 hours at 105 °C, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring greater endurance margins.
However, the technically most suitable series cannot be selected solely on the basis of the specified endurance hours. Ambient temperature, ripple current, applied voltage, cooling conditions and the actual load profile all have a significant influence on the expected lifetime of an aluminium electrolytic capacitor.
Design-In Support from wittig ELECTRONIC
As a partner of Nippon Chemi-Con, wittig ELECTRONIC supports engineers not only in selecting the appropriate capacitor series.
Together with you, we can evaluate factors including:
- required capacitance,
- permissible ripple current,
- voltage margin,
- thermal load,
- required lifetime,
- suitable case size,
- potential reduction in capacitor count, and
- alternatives to existing electrolytic capacitors.
A lifetime assessment based on the actual operating conditions of your application is also possible.
Download Datasheets
FAQ – Nippon Chemi-Con KVC and LVB
What are the Nippon Chemi-Con KVC and LVB series?
KVC and LVB are vibration-resistant Snap-In aluminium electrolytic capacitors designed for high-voltage and automotive applications. They are available with rated voltages from 450 to 500 VDC and are particularly suitable for applications such as On-Board Chargers and high-performance power supplies.
What applications are KVC and LVB suitable for?
Typical applications include On-Board Chargers (OBCs) in electric and hybrid vehicles, automotive power electronics, AC/DC power supplies, high-voltage DC links and other power supplies requiring high capacitance, high ripple current capability and vibration resistance.
Are KVC and LVB AEC-Q200 compliant?
Yes. Nippon Chemi-Con specifies AEC-Q200 compliance for KVC and LVB with regard to the specified vibration resistance when the capacitor case is appropriately fixed.
What rated voltages are available?
The series cover a rated voltage range of 450 to 500 VDC. Standard versions are available with rated voltages of 450 VDC, 475 VDC and 500 VDC.
What capacitance values are available?
Depending on rated voltage and case size, the portfolio ranges from 150 to 790 µF.
What is the permissible ripple current?
The specific value depends on rated voltage, capacitance and case size. For example, KVC and LVB versions rated at 450 V with a Ø35 × 50 mm case can achieve 2.83 Arms at 105 °C and 120 Hz.
What is the difference between KVC and LVB?
The main difference is the specified endurance. KVC is rated for 3,000 hours at 105 °C, while LVB is rated for 5,000 hours at 105 °C.
Which existing series do KVC and LVB replace or complement?
KVC represents a higher-performance development within the product range of the existing KVB series, while LVB provides higher capacitance and ripple current capability compared with the LVA series. For a specific replacement, however, the individual part number and application requirements should always be evaluated.
Can KVC or LVB reduce the number of parallel-connected capacitors?
Depending on the application, this may be possible. Their higher capacitance and ripple current capability can allow fewer parallel-connected capacitors to be used in certain designs. However, a general one-to-one statement is not possible. The required capacitance, ripple current, temperature, voltage and lifetime requirements must all be considered.
Are these capacitors suitable for On-Board Chargers?
Yes. Nippon Chemi-Con developed KVC and LVB specifically with On-Board Chargers (OBCs) and other automotive power supplies exposed to high vibration loads in mind.
Can wittig ELECTRONIC support capacitor selection and lifetime calculations?
Yes. wittig ELECTRONIC supports the selection of suitable Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors based on the electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements of the application. This can also include an assessment of the expected capacitor lifetime under the actual operating conditions.