I can't agree that tant's (dipped or otherwise) are unreliable. I have thousands out in the field, used as power supply decoupling, and the only failures I've had have been due to my own stupidity; reverse polarity or wrong voltage. Of these phenomena, they are much more sensitive than electrolytics. However when used properly they don't seem to deteriorate with time, as electrolytics do.
Avoid use in any application where even a slight reverse bias is possible, and they'll give you good service.
Subsequently I have moved on to other kinds of capacitors, not because I believe they sound better, but the "urban bias" against tant's, both from golden ears and humanitarian protagonists.
Avoid use in any application where even a slight reverse bias is possible, and they'll give you good service.
Subsequently I have moved on to other kinds of capacitors, not because I believe they sound better, but the "urban bias" against tant's, both from golden ears and humanitarian protagonists.
Trusty tants
Tant's are very relable, especially compared to small value electrolytics. I regularly see then still working in 20/25 year old equipment - plenty of electrolytics will have failed by then.
I have heard tale of them 'erupting' with a small possibility of starting a fire if used in proximity to something flamable (as can a resistor). Best to take the same precautions as used with electrolytics when working on live equipment.
Dave
Tant's are very relable, especially compared to small value electrolytics. I regularly see then still working in 20/25 year old equipment - plenty of electrolytics will have failed by then.
I have heard tale of them 'erupting' with a small possibility of starting a fire if used in proximity to something flamable (as can a resistor). Best to take the same precautions as used with electrolytics when working on live equipment.
Dave
I have many years of experience with tantalums in digital circuits. They are very reliable under the right circumstances.
But, never ever exceed their maximum ripple current capacity.
If you use them in a low impedance circuit like decoupling after a regulator, use tantalums with a voltage rating at least 3 times the operating voltage. Never ever exceed 0.5V reverse bias.
Their failure mechanic is nasty, often a melted ball of tantalum rolls around in your circuit when they fail.
But, never ever exceed their maximum ripple current capacity.
If you use them in a low impedance circuit like decoupling after a regulator, use tantalums with a voltage rating at least 3 times the operating voltage. Never ever exceed 0.5V reverse bias.
Their failure mechanic is nasty, often a melted ball of tantalum rolls around in your circuit when they fail.
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