Stored electronic devices that use ceramic SMD capacitors will present the same problems due to lack of use that occur with electrolytic capacitors? Value changes changes in capacitance high leakage current? i have tvbox, handheld consoles, tvs crt, videogames stored all uses this capacitors ceramic smd
Hi Gamer
No. The two capacitor types (ceramic and electrolytic) are completely different beasts. Both in construction and capacitance range.
Incidentally stored electrolytic which have lost capacity cam mostly be recovered by putting them through a reforming process.
Cheers Bob
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Is an SMD ceramic capacitor sensitive to humidity, unlike an electrolytic capacitor? Is it difficult preserve to maintain a ceramic capacitor without vacuum and zero humidity? humidity alterate smd ceramic?
Hi Gamer
I have no idea.
Most anything is affected in some way by long term storage.
You will probably have to go to the manufacturer for that sort of info. It might be available in some better quality data sheets. A lot will depend on who made them and where and the product quality.
I think there probably are some products that require MTBF figures so this information would be available somewhere. In a nutshell if you are making something requiring MTBF and you can’t get the required information then you don’t or cannot purchase and use it.
Some products have to have traceability right back to manufacture for components.
Regarding this type of item, the cost is so low if you have some in long storage and are suspect you would discard them and start with a new batch. Would cost more to muck about investigating each one.
Cheers Bob
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This is the important takeaway. There are different use cases for each type that play into their strengths and weaknesses. You will see both because each would have been appropriate to use.
Also very true. Long enough storage will discharge any capacitor.
Hi Jack
I think Gamer might be thinking about loss of capacitance. Not loss of charge.
Cheers Bob
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Do smd ceramic capacitors undergo permanent changes that render this capacitor unusable after the electronic has been stored for a long time?
Hi Gamer
That is a bit of a rough question for a hobby forum.
Like I said above you will have to go to the manufacturers data sheets and hope they have the information. You will have to do what everyone else would have to do.
Have a look for yourself.
I for one just don’t know. Like I said if in doubt throw them out.
Cheers Bob
Is there a specialized forum on this subject?
Hi Gamer
Once again I for one have no idea. An industrial chemist just might know or might not. All you need to do is find one. I don’t think that profession is that common.
Look if you are worried about a device that has been in storage for some time why don’t you just get it out and find out if it still works. Not exactly rocket science and seems to be a simple test.
Cheers Bob
