Würth Elektronik 2022 19
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Aluminum Electrolytic
Capacitors
Aluminum Polymer
Capacitors
Furthermore, in this table, you can see at which ambient temperature
aluminum polymer capacitors have their advantage in a lifetime.
Suppose the specified component temperature for aluminum
electrolytic and aluminum polymer capacitors is the same (for
example, 2000h at 105°C). In that case, it can be seen at 85°C, the
polymer electrolytic capacitor has a longer lifetime. Only aluminum
electrolytic capacitors with a long specified lifetime at the maximum
specified component temperature have a higher intersection point,
but the point of intersection will always occur (Figure 8). The
Figure 8: Overview of the expected lifetime of aluminum and aluminum
polymer capacitors (Source: Würth Elektronik Group)
specified hours in this diagram are always the nominal lifetime value
of the component at this temperature. Apart from this advantage, of
course, the other parameters of the capacitors must be compared.
It might be that, in a special application, the expected lifetime is the
same. Still, the better ESR and ESL are critical to the application and
speaks for the aluminum polymer capacitor.
Summary
Aluminum polymer capacitors, because of their construction, have
significant advantages for electronic applications. Low ESR and low
ESL values, in addition to a very high expected lifetime, make this
technology extremely interesting for many diverse applications. The
possible use should be considered based on the information provided
in this application note. This can improve the behavior of the design
and ultimately increase the performance of the application.
1.000 h
10.000 h
100.000 h
1.000.000 h
65 ° C 85 ° C 105 °C 125 °C
Expected
Lifetime
Capacitor Temperature
Alu 125° C 2000h Alu 125° C 1000h Alu 105° C 2000h
Alu 105° C 1000h Poly 125° C 2000h Poly 105° C 2000h
