[Test-Equipment] Tek 7904 o-scope, power supply(tantalum caps) ?

Thu, 15 May 2003 13:34:45 -0700

The only advantage a tantalum electrolytic cap will likely have over an
aluminum one is lower loss at higher frequencies, such as those found in
switching power supplies.

Aluminum electrolytics aren't as bad as many people think, especially the
newer breed that's designed for switching-supply service.

I wouldn't hesitate to replace a 20-year-old tantalum cap with a new,
high-quality, low-ESR aluminum one.

-- john KE5FX

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of J. Forster
> Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 1:04 PM
> To: Glenn Little WB4UIV
> Cc: Cmos; [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Test-Equipment] Tek 7904 o-scope, power supply(tantalum
> caps) ?
>
>
> Glenn Little WB4UIV wrote:
>
> > While I had the power supply out of the scope, I would check all of the
> > electrolytics for leakage, value and ESR.
>
> I am not convinced that leakage in Tantalums is an indicator of impending
> failure. Anyone KNOW for sure? IMO, the dipped ones are cheapie
> junk. OTOH, it
> may be difficult to get a high quality part in the same form
> factor. I would NOT
> replace a Tantalum with any other type, BTW.
>
> -John
>