Capacitor failure is a critical issue in electronic systems. It often leads to degraded circuit performance or complete malfunction. Common failure modes include open circuits, short circuits, loss of capacitance, increased leakage current, and dielectric breakdown. These failures can arise from various mechanisms, such as electrical overstress, thermal degradation, mechanical stress, and environmental factors like …
Multilayer ceramic capacitor failure modes Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are essential components in modern electronics. They are valued for their reliability, compact size, and efficiency. Despite their widespread use, these components are susceptible to degradation and even failure. This article breaks down common multilayer ceramic capacitor failure modes including low insulation resistance (IR), low capacitance, …
Aluminum electrolytic capacitor failure modes Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for energy storage and filtering. Despite their reliability, these capacitors can fail due to various mechanisms. Understanding these failure mechanisms and modes can help prevent circuit issues and improve design longevity. In mission critical applications, engineers often prevent electrolytic capacitor failure …
Volumetric Efficiency of a Capacitor The volumetric efficiency of a capacitor is vital for its performance in circuits. This parameter is crucial in the design of portable systems or densely populated circuit boards, where achieving high capacitance in compact dimensions is essential. In this article, we explore what volumetric efficiency means for capacitors, factors influencing …
Capacitor quality factor (Q factor) The capacitor quality factor (Q factor) is one of the crucial parameters that engineers consider when selecting a component for a specific application. This parameter is closely related to dissipation factor (tangent of the loss angle) and equivalent series resistance (ESR). This article delves into the significance of capacitor quality …
Capacitor dissipation factor (tangent of loss angle) The capacitor dissipation factor (DF) is one of the parameters that influence the performance of a capacitor. This parameter describes the efficiency with which a capacitor stores and releases energy. This article explores DF and its effects on the performance of a capacitor in a circuit. What is …
Capacitor dissipation factor (tangent of loss angle) Read More »
Polarized vs Non-Polarized Capacitor: Differences and Uses Polarized and non-polarized capacitors are used in virtually every circuit, serving various purposes. Capacitors can be broadly categorized into two types: polar capacitors and non-polar capacitors. This short article explores the two types of capacitors, highlighting their differences and the unique benefits of using a non-polarized capacitor. Polarity …
Polarized vs Non-Polarized Capacitor: Differences and Uses Read More »
Insulation Resistance of a Capacitor The insulation resistance (IR) of a capacitor influences its reliability and effectiveness in a circuit. Understanding the insulation resistance of a capacitor is important because the characteristic influences the storage and release of electrical energy within a component. This article explores the intricacies of insulation resistance, providing valuable insights and …
ESR of a capacitor and its effects on impedance Equivalent series resistance (ESR) of a capacitor is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a component for your application. It plays a significant role in influencing the overall performance and efficiency of capacitors in various electronic circuits. In this article, we delve into ESR of …
ESL of a capacitor and its effects on impedance The equivalent series inductance (ESL) of a capacitor is one of the important characteristics to consider when selecting a component for your application. It plays a crucial role in how capacitors behave within circuits, especially at high frequencies. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of …
