Failure Modes

Technical
Technical Notes
Notes
Typical failure modes and factors of aluminum electrolytic capacitors
Failure mode
Failure mechanism (internal phenomenon)
Production factor
Application factor
Over voltage applied
Vent operates
Increase in
internal
pressure
Increase
internal
in
temperature
Excessive ripple current
Capacitance
reduction
tan δ
increase
Reverse voltage applied
Reduced anode
foil capacitance
Severe
Reduced cathode
foil capacitance
charging-discharging
Defect of oxide
film
Deterioration
of oxide film
Leakage
current
increase
AC voltage applied
Used for a high
Insufficient
temperature
electrolyte
Electrolyte
evaporation
Used for long period
Metal particles
of time
In capacitor
Short
circuit
Insulation breaddown of
film or electrolytic
paper
Burr(s) on foil
Stress applied to leads
leads
Leads improperly
connect
Leads improperly
connected
Mechanical stress
Use of Halogenated
solvent
Open
Corrosion
Use of adhesive
Infiltration
of CL-
Use of coating material
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