" bravely wrote to "All" (12 Sep 05 08:36:24)
--- on the heady topic of "How to test a Ceramic Capacitor?"

mi From:
mi Xref: core-easynews sci.electronics.repair:341943

mi hello,
mi I heard that Ceramic Capacitors rarely fail nevertheless how can one
mi be sure? Is there a way to test them to know if they are good? Is it
mi important to test these or not? Any help would be appreciated!

Ceramics can be checked for power factor and compared to the typical
rated specification of the equivalent new part. However, usually all
that is needed is a scope, since an abnormal signal is often a clue
that the cap is not working right. They don't often fail except in
high energy circuits but then they are also less used in these because
of their many disadvantages.

In general, ceramic capacitors, and other types, have losses that
increase with frequency. They behave as if they have a little bit of
series resistance and thus get hot. As you know heat is the enemy of
all components, because it often increases leakage curents and can
turn them into charcoal. Also when components heat and cool cyclically
there is a mechanical expansion and contraction that results in
material fatigue such that internal breaks can develop.

A*s*i*m*o*v

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