Can you replace Filter Caps with Tantalum?......

[Denny B]

This is an open question to camcorder service techs,
can you use Tantalum caps to replace the
troublesome aluminum chip caps in camcorders,
if not what caps can one use not to go through a repeat.
I always understood Tantalum was more stable and can
be used in all camcorder circuits (the Sony ccd-f55 series in particular).
I am not referring to the newer camcorders with built in chargers,
is there a better cap one can use than the original chip cap.
If possible can you state from where these caps are obtainable.
As we know cap size is a problem with camcorders.
Can Tantalum caps be used on the VA 46 board of a Sony ccd-f55
camcorder, how about the SS 100 board.

thanks in advance
Denny B

[JURB6006]

I think the main reason the manufacturers didn't use tantalums in the first
place is their cost. I'm pretty sure they exceed all specs easily compared to
them cheap aluminum jobs.

[Andy Cuffe]

I think you're right. I see a lot more tantilums in older computer and
other compact electronics. If you've ever looked at data sheets for any
high performance device, they almost always recommend using tantilum, or
ceramic caps for filtering. Sure, they do short sometimes, but I've
only seen a couple of shorted tantilums for the hundreds of leaky or dry
Al electrolytics I've replaced.
--
Andy Cuffe
balt...@psu.edu

[Stefan Huebner]

>I think the main reason the manufacturers didn't use tantalums in the first
>place is their cost. I'm pretty sure they exceed all specs easily compared to
>them cheap aluminum jobs.

Pretty right, I am using SMD alus wherever I can now, Tantalums are
reserved for:
- low drop regulator output caps
- low quiescent current applications
- low ESR applications except SMPS
- decoupling of rather sensitive chips
especially if equal or greater 10uF.

SMD Tantalums are now (9/2000) about 4 to 6 times more
expensive than they were in 1998, at least here in Germany.
The alus are much cheaper and remained at their low cost, if not even
became cheaper. I have no problems with them until now, and in a
recent application I even decided to put a 22uF/25V standard
electrolytic (non-SMD) in because of *space*. A SMD, either alu or
tantalum, has a bigger footprint than two pads of 6/100" diameter and
1/10" lead spacing, that's a fact.

[Denny B]

Stefan,
I don't quite understand your reply are you saying
it is ok or better to use Tantalum caps to replace
aluminum chip caps like the ones in camcorders.

thanks
Denny B

"Stefan Huebner" <c...@tecs.de> wrote in message
news:39ba00e6...@news.tecs.de...