Overview
IEC 62391-1:2015 - "Fixed electric double-layer capacitors for use in electric and electronic equipment - Part 1: Generic specification" - is the IEC generic specification for fixed electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs, commonly called supercapacitors) used mainly in d.c. circuits. The standard defines terms, units, inspection procedures and comprehensive test methods for use in sectional and detail specifications, quality assessment and component qualification. This 2015 edition expands scope to include electric (high power) applications, implements Annex Q (quality assessment procedures) and incorporates corrigenda from 2016 and 2019.
Key Topics and Requirements
The standard covers technical topics and mandatory test procedures, including:
- Terms, units and symbols - standard terminology for EDLC components and measurements.
- Preferred values, classes and marking - nominal capacitance values, classification and product marking/coding.
- Quality assessment procedures - qualification and sampling rules (normative Annex Q).
- Tests and measurements - detailed methods for assessing performance and reliability:
- Measurement of capacitance and internal resistance (constant-current discharge, constant-resistance charge, AC low-frequency reference methods).
- Leakage current and voltage maintenance assessments.
- Robustness of terminations (tensile, bending, torsion, torque).
- Resistance to soldering heat and solderability (leaded and surface-mount capacitors).
- Environmental and reliability tests: rapid temperature change, vibration, damp heat, endurance, storage and high/low temperature characteristics.
- Component solvent resistance, marking solvent resistance, passive flammability, and pressure relief tests where applicable.
- Informative annexes providing classification by capacitance/internal resistance, measurement methods, thermal equilibrium guidance, charging/discharging efficiency, measurement uncertainty and references to earlier editions.
Applications and Who Uses This Standard
IEC 62391-1:2015 is used by:
- Capacitor manufacturers for product development, datasheets and compliance testing.
- Test laboratories and QA teams for component qualification and reliability testing.
- Design engineers in power electronics, automotive, renewable energy, backup power, consumer electronics and industrial systems who select and specify EDLCs.
- Procurement and certification bodies requiring uniform acceptance criteria and traceable test methods.
Practical uses include defining supplier detail specifications, verifying life-span and safety requirements, classifying devices by capacitance/internal resistance, and ensuring consistent testing for high-power and d.c. circuit applications.
Related Standards
- This document is Part 1 (generic specification) of the IEC 62391 series. Annex G provides references to IEC 62391-1:2006. For complete device requirements, consult other parts of the IEC 62391 series and related IEC standards for component safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
Keywords: IEC 62391-1:2015, electric double-layer capacitors, EDLC, supercapacitors, capacitance testing, internal resistance, quality assessment, capacitor specification, high power capacitors.
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