Product Overview – KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
The KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is a molded solid tantalum capacitor from the T491 industrial grade MnO₂ series. It provides a nominal capacitance of 10 µF with ±20% tolerance at a rated voltage of 6.3 V in a compact 1206 (3216 metric) surface-mount package.
Key basic parameters of the KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 include:
- Capacitance: 10 µF
- Tolerance: ±20% (M code)
- Rated voltage: 6.3 V DC
- ESR: 4 Ω (typical series reference)
- Operating temperature range: –55 °C to +125 °C
- Lifetime: 2,000 hours at 125 °C
- Mounting: Surface-mount, molded tantalum construction
- Package size: 1206 (3.20 mm × 1.60 mm), height up to 1.80 mm
- Manufacturer size code: A
- Feature category: General Purpose
- RoHS3 compliant, halogen-free epoxy
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is positioned as an industrial-grade, general-purpose SMT decoupling and filtering capacitor designed for modern automated assembly lines and high-density boards.
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2.
Series Positioning and Technology Background of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 belongs to the KEMET T491 Industrial Grade MnO₂ Tantalum Surface Mount Capacitors – Standard Tantalum series. The T491 series is designed specifically for highly automated surface-mount processes and equipment.
Series-wide positioning that frames the role of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Uses KEMET’s proven solid tantalum MnO₂ technology.
- Meets or exceeds EIA Standard 535BAAC.
- Classified as Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 under J-STD-020, offering unlimited floor life under standard conditions.
- Offers low-profile case options and a wide capacitance/voltage range across the series:
- Capacitance range (series): 0.1 µF to 1,000 µF
- Voltage range (series): 2.5 V to 50 V DC
- Tolerances (series): ±10% (K) and ±20% (M)
Within this framework, KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is a mid-range, low-voltage option targeted at 6.3 V rails and similar nodes in DC/DC converter outputs, digital core rails, and compact control circuitry. The MnO₂ cathode construction provides stable performance across temperature and frequency and helps support robust surge behavior in standard industrial environments.
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3.
Key Electrical Specifications of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 inherits electrical behavior defined for the T491 series while being specifically characterized as 10 µF / 6.3 V / 1206. The main electrical characteristics are:
Rated capacitance and tolerance
- Capacitance: 10 µF at the specified test conditions for the series.
- Tolerance: ±20% (code “M” in the part number T491A106M006AT7634).
Voltage capability
- Rated DC voltage: 6.3 V.
- Voltage substitution policy (series-wide): higher voltage ratings and tighter tolerances, including ESR improvements, may be substituted within the same size at the manufacturer’s option. If substituted, the component is marked with the higher voltage rating.
Temperature and lifetime
- Operating temperature: –55 °C to +125 °C.
- Life test: 2,000 hours at 125 °C at rated conditions (series specification).
This allows KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 to be used in elevated-temperature environments, such as near regulators or power devices, with a defined life profile.
Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and frequency behavior
- ESR reference: 4 Ω for the KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 configuration.
- Series documentation provides ESR vs. frequency and capacitance vs. frequency curves, indicating:
- ESR decreases at higher frequencies.
- Effective capacitance remains relatively stable across the operating frequency range relevant to decoupling and filtering.
Ripple current/voltage behavior for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is directly related to ESR and power dissipation, as detailed in section 7.
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4.
Mechanical, Package, and Marking Details of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 uses a standard molded chip package optimized for SMT pick-and-place and reflow.
Package and dimensions
- Case code: A (KEMET size code)
- EIA package: 1206
- Metric dimensions: 3.20 mm (L) × 1.60 mm (W)
- Maximum seated height: 1.80 mm
This compact profile suits dense boards and low-profile modules.
Terminations and finishes
Across the T491 series, termination options are defined as:
- T = 100% matte tin (Sn)-plated
- G = Gold-plated
- H = Standard solder coated (SnPb, min. 5% Pb)
- N = Non-magnetic 100% tin (Sn)
- M = Non-magnetic SnPb
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 uses standard RoHS-compliant, lead-free terminations (100% matte tin) unless a variant is specifically ordered. These finishes are compatible with modern lead-free reflow processes and provide good wetting behavior.
Marking and polarity
- The positive terminal is identified by a stripe on the body and, for some sizes, a beveled edge.
- The case is laser-marked.
This marking scheme assists in automated optical inspection and manual verification, helping avoid reversed installation.
Construction
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 follows the T491 series construction:
- Solid tantalum anode pellet
- MnO₂ cathode system
- Encapsulation in molded epoxy meeting flammability and outgassing criteria (UL94 V-0 and ASTM E595 compliance).
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5.
Environmental, Reliability, and Qualification Profile of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is rooted in the industrial-grade T491 MnO₂ tantalum series, with environmental and qualification characteristics defined at series level.
Compliance and environmental profile
- RoHS status: RoHS3 compliant.
- Halogen-free epoxy encapsulation.
- Epoxy compliant with UL94 V-0 flammability rating.
- Molded epoxy complies with outgassing testing under ASTM E595.
- REACH status: REACH unaffected (series declaration).
These attributes support deployment in equipment where regulatory compliance and material restrictions must be observed.
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)
- MSL classification: MSL 1 under J-STD-020.
- Floor life: Unlimited under standard MSL1 handling conditions.
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 can be stored and handled without special baking or dry-pack requirements typical of higher MSL ratings, within defined storage conditions.
Lifetime and performance
- Series lifetime: 2,000 hours at 125 °C.
This gives a defined baseline for extrapolating performance under different operating temperatures and applied voltages using standard capacitor derating practices.
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6.
Application Scenarios and Use Cases for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
Typical use-cases for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 derive from T491 application guidance and its specific 10 µF, 6.3 V, 1206 profile.
Primary applications
KEMET cites the following typical applications for the T491 series, all applicable to KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 where the voltage and capacitance fit:
- Decoupling and bulk bypass on low-voltage rails
Example: A 5 V or 3.3 V logic rail on a digital board where 10 µF in 1206 provides local bulk capacitance near microcontrollers, FPGAs, or ASICs.
- Filtering in DC/DC converters
Example: Output filtering on a point-of-load converter at 3.3 V or lower, where KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 provides stable capacitance and controlled ESR to manage transient response and output ripple.
- Portable electronics
Example: Battery-powered handheld devices requiring compact, reliable 10 µF capacitors for power conditioning and low-profile form factor.
- Telecommunications and control units
Example: Line cards, baseband boards, or industrial control modules that need SMT tantalum capacitors with stable high-temperature behavior, 125 °C capability, and industrial qualification.
The 6.3 V rating of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 suits typical 3.3 V and lower rails when standard derating rules are applied, as well as some 5 V systems with appropriate derating and conservative design margins.
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7.
Voltage Derating, Ripple, and Reverse Voltage Considerations for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, as a solid MnO₂ tantalum device, requires attention to applied voltage, ripple, and polarity in line with the T491 series recommendations.
Voltage derating guidelines
The series includes recommended voltage derating guidelines:
- While the documentation does not list explicit numeric derating ratios per voltage, it provides a “Recommended Voltage Derating Guidelines” section indicating that applied DC voltage should be limited below the rated 6.3 V to increase reliability, especially at elevated temperatures.
- Designers typically select an applied working voltage lower than the rated value (e.g., use KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 on rails at or below typical derated levels) consistent with internal company standards and reference to the series derating charts.
Ripple current and ripple voltage
Permissible AC ripple for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is governed by ESR and power dissipation limits:
Constraints on ripple voltage:
1. The positive peak of (DC bias + AC ripple) must not exceed the 6.3 V DC rating.
2. The negative peak of the AC component combined with DC bias must not exceed the allowable reverse voltage limits defined for the series (see below).
Maximum power dissipation
- Each case size has a maximum power dissipation (Pmax) specified by the series.
- Pmax must be reduced as environmental temperature increases, using a Temperature Compensation Multiplier table provided by KEMET.
From Pmax and ESR (R), the maximum allowable rms ripple current and voltage can be calculated:
- Maximum ripple current:
I(max) = √(Pmax / R)
- Maximum ripple voltage:
E(max) = Z × √(Pmax / R)
Where:
- I = rms ripple current (A)
- E = rms ripple voltage (V)
- Pmax = maximum power dissipation (W)
- R = ESR (Ω) at the specified frequency
- Z = impedance (Ω) at the specified frequency
Design example concept for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
If ESR at the relevant frequency is 4 Ω and Pmax for the A case is known from the series table, I(max) and E(max) can be directly computed. This allows checking that the ripple current of a DC/DC converter output does not exceed the device capability.
Reverse voltage behavior
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is a polar device:
- Solid tantalum capacitors may be permanently damaged if connected with reverse polarity.
- The positive terminal is clearly marked.
- A small transient reverse voltage is permissible for short durations per the series table, but continuous reverse operation is not recommended even within these limits.
Practical implication: in circuits where voltage can ring below ground, ensure that negative excursions remain within the series’ transient reverse specifications, or include protective measures.
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8.
Soldering, PCB Land Pattern, and Assembly Guidelines for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is designed for compatibility with mainstream SMT assembly processes.
Compatible soldering processes
The T491 series, and thus KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, can be assembled using:
- Convection reflow
- IR reflow
- Vapor phase reflow
- Wave solder (single or dual) – mainly for larger case sizes, noting height considerations
Reflow profile
- Recommended profiles follow IPC/J-STD-020D conditions.
- The device can withstand up to three reflow passes at the specified profile.
- All temperature references are measured at the center of the package body on the top surface.
During reflow, slight darkening of the gold-colored epoxy may occur:
- This is normal and does not affect function or marking permanence.
Hand soldering
KEMET allows hand soldering for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 with clear cautions:
- Avoid direct contact of the iron tip with the molded case.
- Heat the solder pad and apply solder between pad and termination until reflow occurs, then remove the iron immediately.
- “Wiping” the chip edges with the iron or heating the top surface is not recommended due to potential thermal and mechanical stress.
PCB land pattern and courtyard
The series provides land dimension recommendations (Table 2 – Land Dimensions/Courtyard) with three density levels for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Density Level A:
- For low-density applications and wave soldering.
- Provides a wider process window for reflow.
- Density Level B:
- For moderate component density.
- Provides robust solder attachment in reflow processes.
- Density Level C:
- For high-density boards.
- Requires user qualification testing per IPC-7351 before adoption.
For KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, choosing between A, B, or C depends on board density, soldering process, and specific manufacturing capability.
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9.
Storage, Handling, and Packaging of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
Storage conditions
To maintain solderability and packaging integrity for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, KEMET recommends:
- Maximum storage temperature: 40 °C.
- Maximum storage humidity: 60% RH.
- Minimize temperature fluctuations to avoid condensation.
- Atmosphere should be free of chlorine and sulfur-bearing compounds.
- For optimal solderability, use chip stock within three years of receipt.
While the chips themselves are robust, solderability degrades under prolonged high temperature or humidity. Packaging materials such as reels and carrier tape may soften, warp, or experience altered peel force under elevated temperature.
Tape & reel packaging
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is supplied in embossed plastic carrier tape on reels compliant with EIA 481:
- Tape widths: 8 mm and 12 mm depending on case size and configuration.
- Reel diameters: 7" and 13" as standard.
- Packaging is compatible with all tape-fed automatic pick-and-place systems.
Key packaging performance notes for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Cover tape break force: 1.0 kg minimum.
- Cover tape peel strength: within specified range at 300 ±10 mm/min and 165°–180° peel angle relative to tape plane.
- Maximum component rotation and lateral movement inside the pocket are defined to ensure reliable pick-up:
- Rotation: ≤20° for 8 and 12 mm tapes.
- Lateral movement: ≤0.5 mm for 8 and 12 mm tapes.
Reel and tape geometry (Figures 1–7 in the series documentation) define:
- Pocket dimensions (A0, B0, K0) to ensure the component does not protrude above the carrier tape.
- Bending radius of tape without damage.
- Leader and trailer length to allow feeder threading.
Labeling
- Bar code labeling is located on the side of the reel opposite the sprocket holes, conforming to EIA Standards 556 and 624.
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10.
Simulation and Design Support Tools for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
For detailed electrical behavior characterization, KEMET offers K-SIM, applicable to KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Access: ksim.kemet.com
- Purpose: simulate component behavior versus:
- Frequency
- Ambient temperature
- DC bias level
For KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, K-SIM can be used to:
- Evaluate ESR and impedance at specific switching frequencies of DC/DC converters.
- Assess effective capacitance under DC bias.
- Explore temperature effects on impedance and losses.
This tool supports more precise selection and verification of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 in power and signal conditioning designs.
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11.
Conclusion – Design Implications of Selecting KEMET T491A106M006AT7634
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 offers a compact 10 µF, 6.3 V solution within the T491 industrial-grade MnO₂ tantalum series, combining:
- Stable capacitance and controlled ESR across frequency and temperature.
- 1206 package with MSL1 classification and robust SMT compatibility.
- Operating range up to 125 °C with a 2,000-hour life reference at the upper temperature.
- RoHS3 compliance, halogen-free materials, and UL94 V-0 epoxy.
In decoupling, filtering, and small power stage applications, KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 supports reliable, predictable performance when used within the series guidelines for derating, ripple, and assembly. The availability of K-SIM modeling and standardized tape-and-reel packaging further aligns KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 with contemporary automated design and manufacturing workflows.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1. What are the core electrical ratings of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A1. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is rated at 10 µF capacitance with ±20% tolerance and a 6.3 V DC voltage rating. It is a molded solid tantalum capacitor in the T491 industrial-grade MnO₂ series, with an operating temperature range from –55 °C to +125 °C and a reference ESR of 4 Ω for this configuration.
- Q2. In what package size is KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 supplied, and what is its physical profile?
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- A2. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 uses the A case code in a 1206 (3216 metric) SMT package. The body dimensions are approximately 3.20 mm in length and 1.60 mm in width, with a maximum seated height of 1.80 mm. This low-profile configuration supports compact, high-density layouts.
- Q3. Is KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 suitable for high-temperature applications up to 125 °C?
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- A3. Yes. The T491 series, including KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, is specified for operation from –55 °C to +125 °C. The series life test is 2,000 hours at 125 °C, providing a defined baseline for use in elevated-temperature environments such as near regulators, power stages, or inside enclosed systems.
- Q4. What termination finishes are available for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A4. Series-wide, termination codes define:
- T = 100% matte tin (Sn)
- G = Gold-plated
- H = Standard solder coated (SnPb, ≥5% Pb)
- N = Non-magnetic 100% tin (Sn)
- M = Non-magnetic SnPb
KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is normally supplied with RoHS-compliant 100% matte tin terminations unless another variant is specifically ordered. These terminations are optimized for modern lead-free reflow processes. - Q5. What typical applications are targeted by KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A5. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, as part of the T491 series, is suited to:
- Decoupling and bulk bypassing in digital and mixed-signal boards.
- Filtering on DC/DC converter outputs or inputs at suitable voltages.
- Portable electronics and compact modules requiring 10 µF at 6.3 V in a 1206 footprint.
- Telecommunications and control units where industrial-grade, SMT-compatible tantalum capacitors are required. - Q6. How should voltage derating be applied to KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A6. The T491 series provides recommended voltage derating guidelines indicating that applied DC voltage should be below the rated 6.3 V to increase robustness, especially at higher temperatures. While the datasheet does not prescribe a specific numeric derating value in the excerpt, standard practice is to operate tantalum capacitors at a fraction of their rated voltage according to internal design policies and available KEMET guidance. Designers should refer to the series derating curves and align operating voltage of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 accordingly.
- Q7. How is permissible ripple current and ripple voltage determined for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A7. For KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, permissible ripple is calculated from:
- The series-specified maximum power dissipation (Pmax) for the A case.
- ESR (R) at the relevant frequency.
- Impedance (Z) at that frequency.
The formulas are:
- I(max) = √(Pmax / R)
- E(max) = Z × √(Pmax / R)
The applied ripple must also satisfy:
- Positive peak of (DC + AC) ≤ rated 6.3 V.
- Negative peak plus bias within the reverse voltage limits defined for the T491 series. - Q8. Can KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 tolerate reverse voltage?
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- A8. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is a polar solid tantalum capacitor and should not be intentionally operated in reverse. The T491 series allows only a small degree of transient reverse voltage for short periods as specified in the reverse voltage guidelines. Continuous reverse operation is not recommended even within those transient limits. Correct polarity is indicated by the positive stripe and, for some sizes, a beveled edge.
- Q9. What soldering methods are supported for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A9. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is compatible with:
- Convection reflow
- IR reflow
- Vapor phase reflow
The series can also be wave soldered (especially larger case sizes), but attention to height is necessary. KEMET recommends preheating to reduce thermal shock and adhering to an IPC/J-STD-020D-style reflow profile. Up to three reflow passes at the defined profile are allowed. - Q10. Are there any cautions when hand-soldering KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A10. When hand-soldering KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Do not touch the molded case with the soldering iron.
- Heat the pad and feed solder between pad and termination until it reflows, then remove the iron immediately.
- Avoid wiping along the component edges or heating the top surface, as this may introduce mechanical or thermal stress beyond controlled reflow conditions. - Q11. What PCB land pattern recommendations apply to KEMET T491A106M006AT7634?
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- A11. The T491 series provides land dimension and courtyard recommendations in Table 2, with Density Levels A, B, and C:
- Level A: larger pads for low-density boards and wave soldering, wider process margin.
- Level B: balanced pad size for moderate density and robust reflow attachment.
- Level C: minimal pads for high-density boards, requiring user qualification per IPC-7351.
For KEMET T491A106M006AT7634, the choice depends on board density and solder process; designers should select the level that matches their manufacturing capability and validation results. - Q12. How should KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 be stored to maintain solderability?
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- A12. Recommended storage for KEMET T491A106M006AT7634:
- Temperature ≤ 40 °C.
- Relative humidity ≤ 60%.
- Minimal temperature fluctuations to prevent condensation.
- Atmospheres free of chlorine and sulfur compounds.
To maintain optimal solderability, usage within three years of receipt is recommended. Packaging materials such as reels and tape are also best preserved within these conditions. - Q13. What environmental and regulatory compliances does KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 meet?
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- A13. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is:
- RoHS3 compliant when ordered with 100% Sn, gold-plated, or non-magnetic 100% Sn terminations.
- Halogen-free.
- Encapsulated in epoxy that meets UL94 V-0 flammability and outgassing requirements per ASTM E595.
The series is also specified as REACH unaffected and classified under general export categories such as EAR99 and HTSUS 8532.21.0050. - Q14. How does the MSL rating affect handling of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 in production?
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- A14. With an MSL1 classification under J-STD-020, KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 has unlimited floor life under standard conditions and does not require special dry-pack handling or baking prior to reflow, provided storage conditions are within the recommended limits. This simplifies logistics and reduces pre-reflow preparation steps.
- Q15. How can KEMET K-SIM be used with KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 during design?
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- A15. KEMET K-SIM allows designers to:
- Select KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 by part number.
- Simulate its impedance, ESR, and capacitance behavior over frequency.
- Evaluate performance under different ambient temperatures and DC bias conditions.
This helps verify that KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 meets ripple, transient, and stability requirements before committing to PCB layout or production. - Q16. Does KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 support automated SMT assembly equipment?
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- A16. Yes. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is supplied in embossed plastic carrier tape on 7" or 13" reels per EIA 481, compatible with common tape-fed pick-and-place systems. Tape pocket dimensions limit component rotation and movement, ensuring stable pick-up, and cover tape characteristics (break force, peel strength) are defined to support reliable automated assembly.
- Q17. What is the general purpose classification of KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 and how does it affect use?
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- A17. KEMET T491A106M006AT7634 is classified as a general-purpose industrial grade tantalum capacitor within the T491 series. It is designed for a broad range of decoupling and filtering roles in industrial, telecom, and portable electronics. It is not specifically described for high-reliability or manned space flight applications in the provided documentation; such uses typically require additional safeguards or specialized product grades beyond the standard industrial T491 range.
