RFMW Expert Product Pick: Knowles MLSG Flatpack Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

What made you select the Knowles MLSG Flatpack^™ Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors as a featured product?

I chose the Knowles MLSG Flatpack^™ series capacitor because it offers unmatched reliability in a low-profile, steel-cased package and is built to perform under the harshest conditions. When reliability at altitude, temperature, and vibration is critical, MLSG is a capacitor platform power engineers can design in with confidence.

Designing power systems for airborne, naval, and defense platforms means accounting for the extremes, from high-altitude pressure drops to 50g vibration profiles and mission-critical runtime. Traditional electrolytics often fall short in these harsh-duty applications, especially when profile height, lifetime expectancy, and reliability become gating factors. That’s where Knowles’ MLSG series stands out.

The MLSG series offers over 5,000 hours of life at 125°C and rated voltage, making it the longest life capacitor in Knowles’ steel-cased Flatpack lineup. For designers who require MIL-level burn-in assurance, the HRMLSG variant adds high-reliability screening. And for defense platforms where vibration tolerance is non-negotiable, the HVMLSG version is rated to handle up to 50g, meeting the most aggressive qualification specs.

All of this is delivered in a rugged, compact form factor with a maximum height of just 0.50 inches, ideal for tight envelope applications where space is limited and airflow is restricted.

Why These Specs Matter

• High-Altitude Reliability: Designed to perform at elevations exceeding 80,000 feet, the MLSG series is suitable for space-constrained platforms like aircraft power systems, UAVs, and airborne radar.
• Extended Life Performance: With a 5,000-hour life rating at high temperature and voltage, these capacitors support mission durations that far exceed conventional aluminum electrolytics.
• Flexible Terminal Options: Radial and hook terminals support both automated and custom hand-solder assembly processes.

What are the key features/specifications of the Type MLSG Flatpack Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors?

• Voltage range: 5 VDC to 250 VDC
• Capacitance range: 220 µF to 47,000 µF
• Rated life: 5,000 hours at 125°C
• Operating temperature: -55°C to 125°C
• Altitude rating: > 80,000 feet
• High vibration option up to 50g (Type HVMLSG)
• High reliability MIL-level burn-in option (Type HRMLSG)
• Stainless-steel case construction
• Profile height: 0.50″ max
• Terminal styles: Radial & Hook

What are common markets/applications?

• Military aircraft power systems
• Military vessels
• Military Airbus
• Ground-based Radar
• Military drones (UAVs)
• Missile defense platforms
• Aircraft radar systems