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Philips210 · 15th Feb 2018, 11:57 pm

Hi

From memory, say 30 years ago, I don't remember seeing many catastrophic failures of tantalum bead caps. It would seem the failures are linked to ageing coupled with being operated close to their voltage rating.

The surface mount tants seem to have a good reputation for now but what will they be like in the next 20 to 30 years? I guess this is all academic really since it's well past the expected service life of most equipment.

I also recall reading about similar failures with certain monolithic ceramic capacitors, also connected across supply rails. Are these generally known for being problematic or could it have just been an isolated case?

Regards
Symon.

15th Feb 2018, 11:57 pm	#26
Philips210 Nonode Join Date: May 2007 Location: Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Posts: 2,573	Re: Tants Hi From memory, say 30 years ago, I don't remember seeing many catastrophic failures of tantalum bead caps. It would seem the failures are linked to ageing coupled with being operated close to their voltage rating. The surface mount tants seem to have a good reputation for now but what will they be like in the next 20 to 30 years? I guess this is all academic really since it's well past the expected service life of most equipment. I also recall reading about similar failures with certain monolithic ceramic capacitors, also connected across supply rails. Are these generally known for being problematic or could it have just been an isolated case? Regards Symon.