High ESR capacitors: Difference between revisions

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High ESR is a common problem.  It is easy to test for this without removing
High ESR is a common problem.  It is easy to test for this without removing
the capacitor in question.  Connect a good capacitor in parallel with the capacitor in question.  If the problem goes away, the original capacitor is probably bad due to high ESR and/or reduced capacitance.
the capacitor in question.  Connect a good capacitor in parallel with the capacitor in question.  If the problem goes away, the original capacitor is probably bad due to high ESR and/or reduced capacitance.
Modern electrolytic capacitors are available in a wide variety of ratings and shapes.  Replacing old electrolytic capacitors with new ones is a straightforward procedure.  Just make sure that the new one can fit, mechanically. 
* [http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/~reese/electrolytics/ Tim Reese's page on replacing electrolytic capacitors]

Revision as of 09:21, 14 December 2008

When electrolytic capacitors age, many changes can take place:

  • drift in capacitance
  • increase in ESR
  • increase in leakage current
  • open circuit
  • short circuit

High ESR is a common problem. It is easy to test for this without removing the capacitor in question. Connect a good capacitor in parallel with the capacitor in question. If the problem goes away, the original capacitor is probably bad due to high ESR and/or reduced capacitance.

Modern electrolytic capacitors are available in a wide variety of ratings and shapes. Replacing old electrolytic capacitors with new ones is a straightforward procedure. Just make sure that the new one can fit, mechanically.