Re: Electrolytic capacitors and reliability

From: Jerry G. (jerryg50_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 02/11/05 

Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 12:32:59 -0500

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.

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