Sprague / Vishay
Vishay Sprague is known for inventing the first tantalum capacitor and the first surface mount tantalum chip capacitor. Vishay Sprague continues its commitment to innovation today by continually developing high-performance tantalum capacitors in a variety of sizes. Vishay Sprague has the broadest range of tantalum capacitors offered by any manufacturer, with devices also including conformally coated and molded surface mount styles, as well as radial and axial through-hole products, covering a wide range of automotive, consumer electronics, industrial and telecommunications, as well as very high performance applications. Vishay acquired its tantalum capacitor division from Sprague in 1992, which was founded in 1926 by Robert Sprague, the creator of the "tone control" capacitor. Vishay subsequently strengthened its position in the market by acquiring tantalum businesses from a number of other brands.