The DC-Link capacitor plays a pivotal role in either absorbing or supplying the corresponding currents. In alternative architectures, the current waveform may exhibit a more triangular shape. Typically, nominal capacitance values can fluctuate due to variations in ambient operating temperature or alterations in applied voltage and frequency.

Quick Overview

DC-Link Options

DC Link capacitors are used in intermediate circuit applications in power electronics, e. g. power conversion technique, replacing more and more the so far used electrolytic capacitors due to more stringent electrical requirement.

Details

An intermediate circuit capacitor, also known as a DC-Link capacitor, is utilized within the intermediate circuit of various converters to link different electrical grids to a unified DC voltage level. Its high capacitance and rapid power delivery capability support the stability of the DC voltage intermediate circuit, ensuring a constant DC voltage level even during instances of high current peaks. To meet the demands of this application, DC-Link capacitors are engineered for enduring high DC voltages, which are consistently present and may be accompanied by high-frequency ripple voltages. Typical rated voltages for intermediate circuit capacitors range from 500 VDC to 1500 VDC.

DC link capacitors are commonly used in power converters as an intermediary buffer between an input source to an output load that have different instantaneous power, voltages, and frequencies. In electric vehicle (EV) applications, DC link capacitors help offset the effects of inductance in inverters, motor controllers, and battery systems. They also serve as filters that protect EV subsystems from voltage spikes, surges, and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

DC Link Options

Click on the product type below to see more information.

IFP

Capacitance Range:
32 – 4500 µF

Voltage Range:
400-3000VDC

Construction:
Cylinder
Male or Female Terms.

Application:
D/C Filter
(DL Link)

 

ASC™ IFP (Inverter Filter Power) capacitors are designed with modular DC link mounting in mind. Their cylindrical shape and terminal spacing originated as a drop-in replacement for electrolytics. Typically, film capacitors can handle much higher currents and as a result, bulk capacitance can be reduced.

Download the Data Sheet.

TGC

Capacitance Range:
13-350uF

Voltage Range:
600-3000 VCD

Construction:
Plastic Case
Epoxy Filled

Application:
DC Link, Solar, Wind, Motor Drive

 

ASC™ TGC (Tangential Case) DC filtering capacitors are packaged in a unique mounting case with mounting tabs rotated away from the terminations. The case is a one piece molded construction with urethane/epoxy fill from the bottom of the case. 

The low profile design of the case is conducive for lower inductance, lower ESR and higher RMS currents.

Download the Data Sheet.

MEC-DL

Capacitance Range:
7µF – 100µF

Voltage Range:
450, 850, 950, 1100, 1300 VDC

Construction:
Plastic Case

Application:
DC Filtering
Frequency Converters
Solar Inverters, Micro Inverters

 

Shizuki™ MEC-DL capacitors are designed with PCB board mounting in mind. Their lead spacing and compact size are conducive for low inductance <10nH <1nH applications.

Download the Data Sheet.

MEC-HC

Capacitance Range:
400µF , 800µF

Voltage Range:
800VDC

Construction:
Metallized

Application:
DC filtering,  
Frequency Converters
Inverters for induction heaters.

 

Shizuki™ MEC-HC capacitors are designed with DC link mounting in mind. Their internal construction achieve low inductance enable to reduce snubber circuit and can handle much higher ripple current as a result bulk capacitance can be reduced. These capacitors have self healing and internal fusing mechanism in order to achieve higher safety at end of life. 

Download the Data Sheet.

 

DC-link capacitors serve as an intermediate stage for smoothing DC voltage between AC stages. This intermediate step facilitates power transfer with reduced noise when converting between AC sources with varying power, voltage, or frequency characteristics. High slew rates are common in DC-link capacitors, necessitating the selection of robust capacitor types to prevent detrimental effects. These capacitors are commonly employed in power inverters, motor drives, and high-power charging circuits. In some cases, a combination of capacitor technologies is utilized in DC-link applications to address noise and transients, requiring multiple filtering stages.