Yes, NIC offers RoHS and Pb-Free (Lead-Free) versions of it's products. NIC is migrating to RoHS versions as standard (inventoried) format by March 2005.

ESR is an abbreviation for Equivalent Series Resistance, the characteristic representing the sum of resistive (ohmic) losses within a capacitor. While ESR is undesirable, all capacitors exhibit it to some degree. Materials and construction techniques used to produce the capacitor all contribute to the component's ESR value. ESR is a frequency dependent characteristic, so comparison between component types should be referenced to same frequency. Industry standard reference for ESR is 100kHz at +25°C. Power dissipation within the capacitor, and the effectiveness of the capacitor's noise suppression characteristics will be related directly to the ESR value.

E-Cap is an abbreviation for Electrolytic Capacitor. Electrolytic capacitors include Aluminum E-Caps (SMT and Leaded Types) and Tantalum E-Caps (link). E-Caps feature high capacitance value in relatively small component sizes. All E-Caps are polarized with anode (+) and cathode (-) terminals.

These terms essentially refer to the same thing... All of these terms (when applied to aluminum electrolytic capacitors) refer to the electrolyte composition. The use of a solid (polymer - organic semiconductor) electrolyte (in place of a more common liquid electrolyte) in aluminum electrolytic capacitors, results in improvements of greatly reduced ESR, higher ripple current ratings and extended operational life.

These terms (when applied to aluminum electrolytic capacitors) refer to the electrolyte type composition. The electrolyte acts as an electrical connection between the (-) cathode and the dielectric. Different forms (liquid - hybrid - solid) electrolytes have been developed over the years. Each type has benefits (PROS) and undesirable (CONS) characteristics. Development of better electrolytes has primarily focused on reducing the ESR and increasing the ripple current rating, by using higher conductivity materials. Improving the capacitor's electrical characteristics over temperature (specifically at low temperature) and extending operational life have also been driving R&D in electrolyte development.

Standard tantalum electrolytic capacitors have a cathode of MnO2 (Manganese Oxide). Recently developed polymer type tantalum electrolytic capacitors have the MnO2 cathode replaced by a highly conductive polymer (polypyrrole). Polymer cathode tantalum electrolytic capacitors feature reduced ESR, higher ripple current ratings and suppression of combustion (improved safety factor) as compared to MnO2 cathode types.

By integrating design, raw materials and production expertise, NIC has established itself as a leader in passive component technology with over 250 standard series available today and over 34 years experience in passive component industry

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NIC uses industry standard 4 digit (YYWW) date code system ("0116" = 16th week of year 2001) on the majority of our products. Date code can be found on either the component packaging (reel or box) label or printed on the component itself. In the case of leaded aluminum electrolytic capacitors, the date code appears on the component sleeve.

Recommended storage conditions:

• Indoors
• Temperature: +5°C ~ +35°C (41°F ~ 95°F)
• Relative humidity: 40 to 75%
• Conditions outside these limits may adversely effect the packaging materials and/or the components’ solderability characteristics

Yes, NIC has ISO-9001:2015 certification from DQS Inc.