iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A 2019 NASA presentation reported no observed change in measured characteristics of the tested polymer tantalum capacitors after cobalt-60 gamma exposure through 5 Mrad(Si). That is encouraging total ionizing dose (TID) evidence for the capacitor types and test conditions studied—not a universal radiation rating or proof that any particular capacitor is qualified for space.
What did the 5 Mrad(Si) test find?
At the 23rd Annual CMSE Components for Military & Space Electronics Conference & Exhibition in April 2019, Alexander Teverovsky presented results for 13 polymer tantalum capacitor types and five manganese dioxide (MnO2) tantalum capacitor types. The NASA NEPP presentation states: “No effect of radiation on characteristics of polymer and MnO2 tantalum capacitors up to 5 Mrad (Si) was observed.”
The reported exposure used cobalt-60 (Co-60) gamma radiation at 40 rad/s and reached a total ionizing dose of 5 Mrad(Si). The presentation names four measured electrical characteristics:
- Capacitance
- Dissipation factor
- Equivalent series resistance (ESR)
- DC leakage current (DCL)
Read the result as a finding about those measured characteristics in the tested parts under the reported exposure. It does not establish a pass/fail limit for every polymer tantalum capacitor.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What does this result say—and not say—about radiation tolerance?
The result is evidence about TID response: the accumulated ionizing dose from the study’s Co-60 exposure. It does not answer every radiation-effects question relevant to electronics in a space environment.
- Total ionizing dose (TID): The study provides the reported test result for this effect type.
- Displacement damage (DD): The cited materials do not provide capacitor-specific DD results.
- Single-event effects (SEE): The cited materials do not provide capacitor-specific SEE results.
NASA/JPL treats TID, DD, and SEE as distinct parts of radiation assessment. A TID result alone therefore cannot establish susceptibility—or immunity—to the other effects.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can you apply the result to a specific capacitor?
Not without matching the test evidence to the actual component and application. The presentation extract does not identify a specific commercial part number or establish the part-level qualification details needed to transfer its finding to an individual design.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- The exact capacitor type and part number
- Lot and screening or qualification status
- Electrical bias during exposure
- Radiation source, dose rate, and total dose
- Mission radiation environment and shielding assumptions
The extract also does not state per-type sample counts or establish a universal dependence on bias or dose rate. Do not interpret the 5 Mrad(Si) observation as a guaranteed operating limit for an untested SKU.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why do conditioning details matter?
The 2019 presentation notes differing behavior between dry and moisture-conditioned polymer parts, associated with changing moisture content in the tantalum slug during testing. This is a study-specific observation, not a general prediction for every capacitor. It does mean that comparisons between radiation results should preserve relevant conditioning and environmental details rather than treating dose as the only variable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can polymer tantalum capacitors be used in space?
The study supports considering the tested capacitor types for further evaluation; it does not by itself qualify a part for a mission. NASA/JPL describes candidate-part assessment against project requirements and the flight radiation environment. A space project should use applicable data for the exact component and mission, and involve its radiation-effects or parts-assurance authority when needed.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
NASA’s 2023 guidance for polymer tantalum capacitors in space projects addresses screening, lot acceptance, and derating. It covers relevant hermetic and chip polymer cathode parts, including parts sourced from MIL-PRF-32700, automotive-grade AEC-Q200, and COTS+ categories. Those sourcing categories are not interchangeable radiation ratings: the guidance calls for screening and qualification rather than assigning them one shared dose tolerance.
Radiation is also only one part of overall capacitor reliability. NASA’s 2020 overview discusses other concerns for polymer and MnO2 capacitors, including vacuum, soldering, storage, temperature, and anomalous transients. Passing a radiation assessment would not, on its own, settle those separate suitability questions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
How should engineers use the published result?
- Identify the radiation effect that matters. Determine whether the design needs TID evidence, DD evidence, SEE assessment, or more than one of these.
- Match the evidence to the component. Confirm the exact part and lot, and obtain the test conditions and qualification records applicable to that part. Do not substitute a broad product category or marketplace description for part-specific evidence.
- Compare test conditions with the mission. Check the radiation source, dose, dose rate, electrical state, shielding assumptions, and relevant conditioning against the intended application.
- Assess the other reliability requirements separately. Radiation behavior does not answer questions about temperature, vacuum, soldering, storage, or transient stresses.
- Document the project decision. Record why the evidence is relevant to the selected part and mission, and seek review from the project’s radiation-effects or parts-assurance authority where appropriate.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
