On May 7, 6:53*am, DaveC wrote:
Today I ordered electrolytic caps. It was frustrating. I had
planned to get
the best low-ESR replacements for all the caps in some switching
power
supplies. I discovered how limited any one manufacturer's low-ESR
catalog is.
Many of what I needed (none of which seem to me to be esoteric
values) were
not available. A couple of times I had to leave a particular
manufacturer's
catalog altogether to find a value.

Which brings me to my question. I was trying to get all Panasonic
FM-series
(hi-temp, low-ESR) caps. I've heard good things about Panasonic's
caps, but
being forced to another brand I has no idea of comparable quality.
(This, at
Digi-Key and Mouser.)

Also, How important is the type of electrolyte? I've read that low-
ESR caps
are frequently made with water-based electrolyte whereas non-water-
based
formulae cannot give low ESR value.

The qualities of caps (ie, hi-ripple, hi-temp, low-ESR, etc.) are
frequently
discussed on electronics forum, but I haven't seen the different
manufacturers compared.

How do the quality of caps compare by

Nichicon
Panasonic
Vishay / Sprague
Mallory
Rubycon
United Chemi-Con
Cornell Dublier
Xicon

Feel free to add to the list, praise, trash, and/or list in order
of your
preference. Extra credit for essays on why you like / hate / prefer
a brand
or series of caps.

Thanks,
--
DaveC

I buy the replacement parts at a Hollywood dub house. Last year I
bought 14.000 'lytics , 10,000 installed by 3 of us. My first choice
in Panasonic FM but the selection isn't as wide as the second choice
of FC caps. If I run into a physical size problem Nichicon PW series
often helps. For surface mount first choice is Panasonic FK and
sometimes HC series. If you're doing this a lot like we are, Metcal
soldering irons are HIGHLY recommended. The STTC-126 tip (700 F 30
degree bent tip) is really good for clearing stubborn holes - usually
ground planes with lousy thermal reliefs. A lifted pad is a very rare
event with a good soldering iron.

100uf 25V (most common value for us) cost 20 cents in 1's 10.28 / 100
but are only $57.54 / 1000. I try for 1000s whenever possible.

G²