Abstract: A technique for laser welding an anode lead to an anode termination of an electrolytic capacitor is provided. The technique involves directing a laser beam through one or more refraction elements before it contacts the lead and anode termination. By selectively controlling the index of refraction and thickness of the refraction element, the angle at which the refraction element is positioned relative to the laser beam, etc., the laser beam may be directed to a precise weld location without substantially contacting and damaging other parts of the capacitor.

Abstract: A technique for laser welding an anode lead to an anode termination of an electrolytic capacitor is provided. The technique involves directing a laser beam through one or more refraction elements before it contacts the lead and anode termination. By selectively controlling the index of refraction and thickness of the refraction element, the angle at which the refraction element is positioned relative to the laser beam, etc., the laser beam may be directed to a precise weld location without substantially contacting and damaging other parts of the capacitor.

Abstract: A fused electrolytic capacitor assembly that offers improved performance characteristics in a convenient and space-saving package is provided. More specifically, the fused electrolytic capacitor assembly contains an electrolytic capacitor element and a surface mount fuse that are contained within a case and connected to a common anode termination. During initial production, the electrolytic capacitor element and fuse are connected to the anode termination so that the fuse is bypassed during testing of the individual capacitor element. After testing, the anode termination may be cropped so that the fuse and capacitor element become connected in series. Thus, during use, the fuse will disintegrate in response to an excessive current resulting from a short circuit discharge, which breaks the electrical connection between the capacitor element and limits the likelihood of fire or other damage remaining circuit elements.

Abstract: A fused electrolytic capacitor assembly that offers improved performance characteristics in a convenient and space-saving package is provided. More specifically, the fused electrolytic capacitor assembly contains an electrolytic capacitor element and a surface mount fuse that are contained within a case and connected to a common anode termination. During initial production, the electrolytic capacitor element and fuse are connected to the anode termination so that the fuse is bypassed during testing of the individual capacitor element. After testing, the anode termination may be cropped so that the fuse and capacitor element become connected in series. Thus, during use, the fuse will disintegrate in response to an excessive current resulting from a short circuit discharge, which breaks the electrical connection between the capacitor element and limits the likelihood of fire or other damage remaining circuit elements.

Abstract: An integrated capacitor assembly that offers improved performance characteristics in a convenient and space-saving package is provided. The capacitor assembly contains multiple discrete solid electrolytic capacitors that are “finished” in the sense that they are provided with leads and encapsulated. This allows each individual capacitor to be tested for performance prior to its incorporation into the capacitor assembly, thereby increasing the product yield and quality. More specifically, because each individual capacitor may be “pre-tested” and “aged”, the likelihood that the final capacitor assembly will fail its performance test is minimal.