Electrolytic capacitors and reliability

[Charles Schuler]

It's interesting to track the reliability of electronics from the
era of the TRF AM receiver up until now. This spans about 75 years. Many
significant gains have been made, but there is at least one big fly in the
ointment. In my observation, the biggest fly is the electrolytic capacitor.

I fully realize how small modern products must be and know about switch mode
power supplies and do appreciate that electrolytics (including tantalums)
are the only game in town.

Just thinking that if someone could solve the reliability problems, they
would make quite an impact!

There is an interesting story now circulating about a stolen electrolyte
formula (which was missing some crucial additives) and the resultant
premature death of many computer motherboards. There seems to be a need for
new ideas.

 

[Jerry G.]

Electrolytic caps are very reliable, if they are rated correctly, and used
in an environment where there is little heat.

Most people put their A/V equipment on shelves where there is not enough
ventilation, or in places where their equipment runs too warm internally.
This leads to a greater frequency of breakdown. I have some equipment that
has been running 24/7 for over 15 years, and there were no failures. I
installed whisper fans to cool them down.

--

Jerry G.
======


"Charles Schuler" <charleschuler@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:G7mdnai31_z_eZbfRVn-qw@comcast.com...
It's interesting to track the reliability of electronics from the
era of the TRF AM receiver up until now. This spans about 75 years. Many
significant gains have been made, but there is at least one big fly in the
ointment. In my observation, the biggest fly is the electrolytic capacitor.

I fully realize how small modern products must be and know about switch mode
power supplies and do appreciate that electrolytics (including tantalums)
are the only game in town.

Just thinking that if someone could solve the reliability problems, they
would make quite an impact!

There is an interesting story now circulating about a stolen electrolyte
formula (which was missing some crucial additives) and the resultant
premature death of many computer motherboards. There seems to be a need for
new ideas.

 

[Fred Abse]

On Thu, 10 Feb 2005 17:46:55 -0500, Charles Schuler wrote:

It's interesting to track the reliability of electronics from the era of
the TRF AM receiver up until now. This spans about 75 years. Many
significant gains have been made, but there is at least one big fly in the
ointment. In my observation, the biggest fly is the electrolytic
capacitor.

I fully realize how small modern products must be and know about switch
mode power supplies and do appreciate that electrolytics (including
tantalums) are the only game in town.

Just thinking that if someone could solve the reliability problems, they
would make quite an impact!

There is an interesting story now circulating about a stolen electrolyte
formula (which was missing some crucial additives) and the resultant
premature death of many computer motherboards. There seems to be a need
for new ideas.

There have been new ideas for the last 75 years. Electrolytic capacitors
have improved steadily over the years.

However, you get what you pay for. Consumer equipment is notorious for
cost-cutting, and components get specified on price rather than longevity.
You can buy some electrolytics in ten thousand quantities for a few cents
each. They tend to be crap.

High-end electrolytics from well known manufacturers are not cheap, but
have lifetimes that could only be dreamed about thirty years ago. However,
twenty dollar electrolytics don't get used in consumer products much. They
do get used where it matters.



--
Then there's duct tape ...
(Garrison Keillor)