Re: Replace tantalum caps with aluminum?

CWatters wrote:
> 
> Electrolytics can have low lifetime specifications. I once saw a some with a
> spec of only 1000 hours. Thats about 41 days! Must have been a mistake?

   No, just cheap caps. You need to select electrolytics with a higher
temperature rating to get a longer life. In other words, the closer you
run it to its rated temperature, the quicker it fails. Cheap caps are
rated to 85°C, better caps are 125°C. You have to consider the operating
temp of the equipment, plus the heat generated by any AC passing though
the cap. A low ESR cap will generate less heat and last longer. Both
higher temperature grade and low ESR cost more money, so lots of bean
counters use the cheapest piece of crap they can sweep off the floor at
the factory.
-- 
22 days!


Michael A. Terrell
Central Florida