ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTICALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC ® TECHNICAL NOTE NOTECAPACITORSCAPACITORS ® 1 General Description of Aluminum Elec-

trolytic Capacitors Separator sheet impregnated with electrolyte 1-1 The Principle of Capacitor The principle of capacitor can be presented by the Anode foil Cathode foil (Virtually, electrode for principle drawing as in Fig.1-1. cathode extraction) When a voltage is applied between the metal elec- trodes placed opposite on both surfaces of a dielec- tric, electric charge can be stored proportional to the Anodic oxide film voltage. Natural air oxide film Q＝C・V Electrolyte (True cathode) Q : Quantity of electricity (C) Fig.1-2 V : Voltage (V) C : Capacitance (F) 1-2 Equivalent Circuit of the Capacitor The electrical equivalent circuit of the aluminum elec- trolytic capacitor is as presented in the following figure. t S D1

R1 R2 C2 L C1

R3

Fig.1-1

C. called the capacitance of capacitor, is expressed by R1 : Resistance of terminal and electrode the following expression with the electrode area S[m2], R2 : Resistances of anodic oxide film and electrolyte the electrode spacing t [m] and the dielectric constant R3 : Insulation resistance because of defective anodic oxide film of dielectric “ε”: S C[F]＝ε0・ε・— — D1 : Oxide semiconductor of anode foil t ε0 : Dielectric constant in vacuum (＝8.85×10-12F/m) C1 : Capacity of anode foil C2 : Capacity of cathode foil The dielectric constant of an aluminum oxide film is L : Inductance caused by terminals, electrodes, etc. 7 to 8. Larger capacitances can be obtained by en- larging the electrode area S or reducing t. Table 1-1 shows the dielectric constants of typical diel- 2 About the Life of an Aluminum Electrolytic ectrics used in the capacitor. In many cases, capacitor Capacitor names are determined by the dielectric material used, 2-1 Estimation of life with minimal ripple current for example, aluminum electrolytic capacitor, tantalum (negligible). capacitor, etc. Generally, the life of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is closely related with its ambient temperature and the Table 1 life will be approximately the same as the one obtained Dielectric Dielectric Constant Dielectric Dielectric Constant by Arrhenius’ equation. Aluminum oxide film 7 to 8 Porcelain (ceramic) 10 to 120 T0－T Mylar 3.2 Polystyrene 2.5 ̶ ) 10 ) Mica 6 to 8 Tantalum oxide film 10 to 20 L＝ L0 × 2 ………………(1) Where L : Life at temperature T

Although the aluminum electrolytic capacitor is small, L0 : Life at temperature T0 it has a large capacitance. It is because the electrode area is roughened by electrochemical etching, en- The effects to the life by derating of the applied voltage larging the electrode area and also because the die- etc. are neglected because they are small compared lectric is very thin. to that by the temperature. The schematic cross section of the aluminum electrol- ytic capacitor is as in Fig.1-2.

NOTE : ‌Design, Specifications are subject to change without notice. 178 It is recommended that you shall obtain technical specifications CAT.No.2015/2016E from ELNA to ensure that the component is suitable for your use. ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTICALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC ® ® CAPACITORSCAPACITORSTECHNICALTECHNICAL NOTE NOTE 2-2 Estimation of life considering the ripple current. T0ーT ∆T0ー∆T The ripple current affects the life of a capacitor ̶ ̶ ) 10 ) ) 10 ) because the internal loss (ESR) generates heat. The L ＝ Lr × 2 × K ………(5) generated heat will be : Where Lr : Life at the upper category temperature with the rated ripple current (h) 2 P ＝ ⅠR………………(2) ∆T0 : Temperature increase at capacitor core, Where Ⅰ : Ripple current (Arms) at the upper category temperature (deg.) R : ESR (Ω) (3) The life equation considering the ambient temper- With increase in the temperature of the capacitor: ature and the ripple current will be a conversion of Ⅰ2 x R the above equation (5), as below : ∆ T ＝ ̶ ………………(3) A x H 2 T0ーT Ⅰ ∆T0 Where ∆ T : Temperature increase in the capacitor ̶ 1ー ̶ ×̶ ) 10 ) ) Ⅰ0 ) 10 core(deg.) L ＝ Lr × 2 × K ……(6) Ⅰ : Ripple current (Arms) WhereⅠ 0 : Rated ripple current at the upper category R : ESR (Ω) temperature (Arms) A : Surface area of the capacitor (cm2) Ⅰ : Applied ripple current (Arms) H : Radiation coefficient (Approx. 1.5 to 2.0 Since it is actually difficult to measure the temperature × 10-3W/cm2×℃) increase at the capacitor core, the following table is The above equation (3) shows that the temperature of provided for conversion from the surface temperature a capacitor increases in proportion to the square of increase to the core temperature increase. the applied ripple current and ESR, and in inverse Table 2-1 proportion to the surface area. Therefore, the amount Case diameter ～10 12.5～16 18 22 25 30 35 of the ripple current determines the heat generation, which affects the life. The value of ∆ T varies de- Core / Surface 1.1 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.65 pending on the capacitor types and operating condi- The life expectancy formula shall in principle be tions. The usage is generally desirable if ∆ T remains applied to the temperature range between the ambient less than 5℃. The measuring point for temperature temperature of ＋40℃ and upper category increase due to ripple current is shown below ; temperature. The expected life time shall be about Measuring point fifteen years at maximum as a guide in terms of deterioration of the sealant.

(Fig. 2-1 Life Expectancy Chart)

130 1 85˚C: 1000hour guaranteed 2 85˚C: 2000hour guaranteed 8 9 10 11 12 3 105˚C: 1000hour guaranteed 125 4 105˚C: 2000hour guaranteed 5 105˚C: 3000hour guaranteed 120 6 105˚C: 5000hour guaranteed 7 105˚C: 20000hour guaranteed 115 8 125˚C: 1000hour guaranteed Test results: 9 125˚C: 1250hour guaranteed 110 10 125˚C: 2000hour guaranteed (1) The life equation considering the ambient temper- 11 125˚C: 3000hour guaranteed 4 5 6 7 12 125˚C: 5000hour guaranteed 105 ature and the ripple current will be : 3 100 T0ーT ー∆T ̶ ̶ 95 ) 10 ) ) 10 ) L ＝ Ld × 2 × K ………………(4) 90 1 2 Where Ld : Life at DC operation (h) 85

K : Ripple acceleration factor 80 (K＝2, within allowable ripple current) 75 (K＝4, if exceeding allowable ripple current)

Ambient temperature of capacitor ( ℃ ) 70 T0 : Upper category temperature (℃) T : Operating temperature (℃) 65 ∆ T : Temperature increase at capacitor core 60 (deg.) 55 50 (2) The life equation based on the life with the rated ripple current applied under the maximum guaranteed 45 temperature will be a conversion of the above equation h (103h) 2 5 10 20 50 100 131 175

(4), as below : Year 1 3 15105

NOTE : ‌Design, Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you shall obtain technical specifications 179 from ELNA to ensure that the component is suitable for your use. CAT.No.2015/2016E ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC TECHNICAL NOTE CAPACITORS ® 2-3 Practical Examples of Life Expectancy Data B As practical examples of life expectancy, we introduce ⅠL = 2.4Arms at 120Hz, T=45°C 250V 560 μ F in the LAT Series considering the effect ⅠH1 = 0.36Arms at 20kHz (corresponding to 15% of the commercial frequency component) of high-frequency component. Figures 2-2 to 2-4 show the simulated ripple current waveforms when the high- ⅠH2 = 0.72Arms at 20kHz (corresponding to 30% of the commercial frequency component) frequency component for switching is superimposed on ⅠH3 = 1.2Arms at 20kHz (corresponding to 50% of the commercial frequency component) the commercial frequency component. For Data B, the currents are converted to 120Hz by the frequency conversion factor for the cases of ignorance of the high-frequency component, and each high-frequency component condition. Ⅰ = 2.4/1 = 2.4A 2 2 Ⅰ1 = （ 2.4）＋（0.36/1.18）≒2.42A Fig.2-2 Ripple Current Waveform of Capacitor 2 2 Ⅰ2 = （ 2.4）＋（0.72/1.18）≒2.48A 2 2 Ⅰ3 = （ 2.4）＋（1.2/1.18） ≒2.61A ⅠP Explained here is about the frequency conversion factor. As described above, the heat generation (or temperature 2π rise = ∆T) affecting the life is proportional to the ESR Fig.2-3 Low-frequency component of capacitor. In addition, the fundamental frequency is 120Hz in measurement of capacitor characteristics, and the ripple current is also specified with this frequency; it is thus more convenient to calculate by converting the ⅠPH current value to that with the same temperature rise at 120Hz. t1 The ESR of aluminum electrolytic capacitor is frequency dependent. 200 T Series LAT Fig.2-4 High-frequency component 250V560μFφ 30X30L Each of the above may be obtained as the effective ripple current value. Assuming that the ripple current ESR waveform of the low-frequency component is generally 100 (mΩ) approximated to the full-wave rectification waveform as shown in Fig.2-3, we obtain the effective ripple current valueⅠ L as follows:

ⅠPL Ⅰ L = = 0.707 x ⅠPL √2 0 50 100 1k 10k 20k Since the ripple current waveform of the high-frequency frequency (Hz) component is approximated to the rectangular as shown Fig.2-5 Frequency Characteristics of ESR in Fig.2-4, the effective current value of high-frequency Figure 2-5 shows a typical example of frequency componentⅠ H is given by characteristics of ESR, indicating that the ESR decreases 1 t1 2 t1 Ⅰ H = ⅠPH d1 = ⅠPH with increasing frequencies. Therefore, the high-frequency T ∫ 0 T component has less effect on the heat generation of The reason why the ripple current affects the life is due to capacitor than low-frequency component. the heat generated by the ESR (R) of capacitor. Next, we calculate the expected life according to each That is, ∆T by heat generation can be expressed by condition to compare with the case with no high- ∆T ∝ Ⅰ2 x R from Expression (2). frequency component. For the case with no high-frequency component: Therefore, when ripple currents with different frequencies 2 105ー45 2.4 5 are handled, each current value must first be squared and — 1ー — x— then summed. That is: L ＝ 2000 x 2 10 x 2 1.79 10 ≒ 73,634 hours 2 2 For the case with high-frequency component: Ⅰ = （Ⅰ L）＋（ⅠH） 2 105ー45 2.42 5 Now, we proceed to specific examples assuming that the — 1ー — x— effective ripple current values of low-and high-frequencies L ＝ 2000 x 2 10 x 2 1.79 10 ≒ 72,114 hours have been obtained by the above methods. 72,114/73,634=0.979, about a 2.1% reduction in life 2 105ー45 2.48 5 Data A (Test piece and basic data) ̶ 1ー̶ x ̶ L ＝ 2000 x 2 10 x 2 1.79 10 ≒ 67,671 hours Product name : 250V 560μ F φ 30x30 L, Series LAT 67,671/73,634=0.919, about a 8.1% reduction in life L r = 2000 hours 2 105ー45 2.61 5 K = 4 — 1ー — x— 10 1.79 10 T0 = 105°C L ＝ 2000 x 2 x 2 ≒ 58,045 hours ∆T0 = 5deg 58,045/73,634=0.796, about a 20.4% reduction in life Ⅰ0 = 1.79Arms at 105°C, 120Hz As described above, there may be cases where the effect of larger high-frequency component on the life cannot be To verify the effect of the high-frequency component, the ignored; thus high-frequency component exceeding 30% expected life will be calculated for each of three high- with respect to the current with funda-mental frequency frequency ripple current conditions. should be considered. NOTE : ‌Design, Specifications are subject to change without notice. 180 It is recommended that you shall obtain technical specifications CAT.No.2015/2016E from ELNA to ensure that the component is suitable for your use. ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTICALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC ® TECHNICAL® NOTECAPACITORSCAPACITORSTECHNICAL NOTE 3 To calculate Balance when connecting in If a＝0.8, 400(V)×2×0.8＝640(V) as an impressed series voltage. 3-1 Circuit layout If b＝2, R2＝b R1＝426(kΩ), LC＝0.94(mA). Circuit for connecting two capacitors (C1, C2) in series Balance resistance RB will be. and equivalent circuit can be illustrated as below figure. (1－0.8) RB ≦ 2×2×213(kΩ) ＝852(kΩ) Formula to calculate a balance resistance RB of below (2×0.8)×2－1 figure is shown as follows.

4 Regarding Recovery Voltage • After charging and then discharging the aluminum R1 RB V1 C1 RB electrolytic capacitor, and further causing short-circuit V to the terminals and leave them alone, the voltage between the two terminals will rise again after some C2 RB R2 RB V2 interval. Voltage caused in such case is called recovery voltage. Following is the process that causes this phenomenon : Following are the preconditions of the circuit. • When the voltage is impressed on a dielectric,

① V2 shall be the rated voltage (＝V0). (V1＜V2) electrical transformation will be caused inside the

② V shall be a times V0×2. V＝2aV0 (a＜1) dielectric due to dielectric action, and electrification

③ R2 shall equal R1×b. (b＜1) (1) will occur in positive-negative opposite to the voltage impressed on the surface of the dielectric. This

3-2 Formulas to calculate [RB] phenomenon is called polarization action. 3-2-1 Following formula can be established from • After the voltage is impressed with this polarization balanced condition. action, and if the terminals are discharged till the terminal voltage reaches 0 and are left open for a while, 1 ＋ 1 1 ＋ 1 V1 ＝ V2 an electric potential will arise between the two terminals R1 RB R2 RB (2) and thus causes recovery voltage. 3-2-2 Following formula can be established from • Recovery voltage comes to a peak around 10 to 20 preconditions. days after the two terminals are left open, and then

V2 ≦ V0 (3) gradually declines. Recovery voltage has a tendency to

V1 ＝ V － V2 (4) become bigger as the component (stand-alone base

＝2aV0 － V2 (4’) type) becomes bigger. • If the two terminals are short-circuited after the 3-2-3 Put formulas (1), (3) and (4’) in formula (2). recovery voltage is generated, a spark may scare the workers working in the assembly line, and may put low- R1 ＋ RB bR1 ＋ RB (2aV0－V2) ＝V2 voltage driven components (CPU, memory, etc.) in R1 x RB bR1 x RB 2abV0(R1＋RB)＝V2 {b(R1＋RB)＋bR1＋RB} danger of being destroyed. Measures to prevent this is

2ab(R1＋RB) ≦ 2bR1＋(1＋b)RB to discharge the accumulated electric charge with Accordingly, balance resistance R shall be the resistor of about 100 to 1kΩ before using, or ship out following formula. by making the terminals in short-circuit condition by covering them with an aluminum foil at the production (1－a) RB≦2bR1 (5) stage. Please consult us for adequate procedures. (2a－1) x b－1

3-3 Calculation Example Calculate the value of the balance resistance in the case of connecting two 400V 470µF ( LC standard value : 1.88mA) capacitors in series. 400(V) R1 ＝ ＝213(kΩ) 1.88(mA)

NOTE : ‌Design, Specifications are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you shall obtain technical specifications 181 from ELNA to ensure that the component is suitable for your use. CAT.No.2015/2016E ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTICALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC ® ® TECHNICAL NOTECAPACITORSCAPACITORSTECHNICAL NOTE 5 Electrode Foil Development Technology ; High reliability capacitors 5-1 Corrosion inhibition of cathode foil ; Reference Inactive treatment is implemented to ensure long life by 100 inhibiting natural corrosion of the cathode foil. Fig. 3-1 10 shows its effects with values of the polarization resistance inversely proportional to the corrosion rate 1

using the AC impedance method(FRA). This indicates Exponent of weight changes that the cathode foil used in the High reliability capacitors 0 1000 2000 has the polarization resistance higher than that of the Time (h) Fig.. 3-3 conventional capacitors owing to corrosion inhibition. 5-4 Long-time stability of electrolyte Ω ( ) The electrolyte used in the High reliability capacitor is sta-

5 10 ble with low initial resistivity and small secular

4 changes at a high temperature. Fig. 3-4 shows 10 change in resistivity at 105°C. 3 10 ; High reliability capacitors Resistance (W) 2 ; Reference 10 200

High reliability capacitors Reference

Fig. 3-1 100 Exponent of resistivity

5-2 Sealing material permeability of electrolyte 0 1000 2000 To ensure long life, a low permeable lactone solvent for Time (h) the sealing material is used as the main solvent of the Fig. 3-4 electrolyte of the High reliability capacitor. Fig. 3-2 shows 5-5 Dielectric formation voltage and leakage current the test results on the permeability obtained by chang- characteristics of anode foil ing the weight of the capacitors produced with different To increase the operating life by controlling the gas types of electrolytes at a high temperature. generation inside capacitor because of 1.5 to 2 times the rated voltage, while that of the previous capacitor ; High reliability capacitors

; Amidic solvent is about 1.3 times the rated voltage. 100 ; Lactonic product 100

10 10 LC ( µA )

Exponent of weight changes 1 1

0 1000 2000 Time (h) 0.1 1 1.5 2 2.5 Fig.. 3-2 Voltage ratio Fig. 3-5 5-3 Airtightness of sealing material 5-6 Lowered ESR of Electrode Foil Since the electrolyte is stable for hours, the key element To reduce the ESR of electrolytic capacitor, we have for capacitor’s life is the sealing material. By optimizing improved our chemical conversion technology for the crosslinking density of the sealing material polymer, anode foil to develop lower ESR electrode foil compared the sealing material of the High reliability capacitor attains to the conventional product as shown in Fig. 3-6 its long life with electrolyte permeability less than that of the conventional capacitors. ; High reliability capacitors 10 Fig. 3-3 shows the test results on the airtightness of ; Reference the sealing material obtained by changing the weight 0.5 of the capacitors at a high temperature, producing ESR Index capacitors with the conventional sealing material and 0 improved one both containing the electrolyte used in 20 50 80 105 Fig. 3-6 ESR Index of Anode Foil the High reliability capacitor.

NOTE : ‌Design, Specifications are subject to change without notice. 182 It is recommended that you shall obtain technical specifications CAT.No.2015/2016E from ELNA to ensure that the component is suitable for your use.