So, what caused it? Maybe a variety of factors? Perhaps different factors explain different circuit failures? The video, for example, focuses on CPUs that drew a lot of current and got real hot. OK, but we also see failing electrolytics in small, very low current Sony receivers.
Hack-A-Day has a good post about this:
The Hack-A-Day comments are also (mostly) good. I agree with the fellow who said he never heard anyone call electrolytic capacitors "E capacitors." Me neither.
I got burned bad from it in the mid aughts, when I purchased three Dell monitors for over $1500. All three monitors went out at about the warranty expiration - 3 years. I had to raise hell to get the last one replaced, threatened to contact Michael Dell myself is necessary. I'm still using that monitor 20 years later.
ReplyDeleteA friend brought over his deceased Onkyo sound system from that era- one large electrolytic blew electrolyte everywhere. Collateral damage to other components and the PCB, even melted solder! Told him it was toast. Gave him an old Fisher stereo from 1968. Back in business! Avery knew his stuff.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we may never know why the problem seemed to be resolved, at least partially, it may be because we see manufacturer's are performing additional Life and Accelerated Life tests on electrolytics. They apply at rated temp, a DC voltage and ripple current over 1K-10K Hrs. They record end-point data of capacitance, leakage current, ESR and weight(!) Looks like they have been getting better at this. Not perfect, but not as bad as before.
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