KEMET ArcShield™ Technology Offers Permanent Protection and Improved Performance over Coating Technologies

GREENVILLE, S.C., Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- KEMET Corporation (NYSE: KEM), a leading manufacturer of tantalum, ceramic, aluminum, film, paper and electrolytic capacitors, today highlighted its patent-pending ArcShield multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) technology in X7R dielectric for use in high voltage applications where surface arcing (arc-over discharge) is a concern. ArcShield devices inhibit surface arc-over discharge, thereby preventing damage to the capacitor and surrounding components on a printed circuit board.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120919/CL77291 )

ArcShield High Voltage MLCCs offer a more reliable and less costly alternative to surface coating technologies, which can be damaged during the handling and assembly process leaving the capacitor susceptible to the same arc-over concerns as a non-coated device.

"ArcShield High Voltage MLCC technology features a unique, robust internal shield electrode system that suppresses arc-over while increasing capacitance to the highest values available in the industry," stated Bill Sloka, KEMET Specialty Product Manager. "In addition to unrivaled performance and reliability when compared to external surface coating technologies, it offers downsizing opportunities for larger case size products with the same capacitance and voltage rating," continued Sloka.

When application voltages meet or exceed 300 V some MLCCs are susceptible to surface arcing, which is generally caused by a high voltage gradient between the MLCC's termination surfaces or between one termination surface and the component's internal electrode structure. This phenomenon can either damage surrounding components or lead to a breakdown of its dielectric material, ultimately leading to a short-circuit condition (catastrophic failure mode).

KEMET ArcShield High Voltage capacitors are ideal for use as snubbers, in voltage multiplier circuits and in general lighting applications. Typical markets include industrial, lighting, telecommunications, automotive, and alternative energy. For added reliability, KEMET's Flexible Termination technology is an available option that ensures superior flex performance over standard termination systems. When combined, these high voltage devices offer the ultimate level of protection against both surface arcing and board stress.

ArcShield High Voltage MLCCs are also available in Automotive Grade, which meet the demanding Automotive Electronics Council's AEC-Q200 qualification requirements. Whether under-hood or in-cabin, these products are designed for mission and safety-critical automotive circuits or applications requiring proven, reliable performance in harsh environments.

Glossary

IR – Insulation Resistance

About KEMET

KEMET's common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "KEM." At the Investor Relations section of our web site at http://ir.kemet.com/, users may subscribe to KEMET news releases and find additional information about our Company. KEMET applies world class service and quality to deliver industry leading, high performance capacitance solutions to its customers around the world and offers the world's most complete line of surface mount and through-hole capacitor technologies across tantalum, ceramic, film, aluminum, electrolytic, and paper dielectrics. Additional information about KEMET can be found at http://www.kemet.com.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws about KEMET Corporation's (the "Company") financial condition and results of operations that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections about the markets in which the Company operates, as well as management's beliefs and assumptions. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," variations of such words and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's judgment only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

Certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcome and results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements are described in the Company's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE KEMET Corporation

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