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Electrolytic capacitor question
flashthunder:
Hi, looking for input to a capacitor question. I am in the process of recapping a scope power supply. The scope is a Tektronix 2245B and built @1990. Some of the electrolytic capacitors that I purchased are physically smaller than what's currently installed in the power supply. For instance, new 10uf, 100v, 105degee electrolytic capacitor is on the order of perhaps 6 or 8 times physically smaller than original. Has 30+ years of improved technology allowed for same performance in a smaller package...or should I search for a physically larger packaged cap? Thanks
techneut:
Yes the elco's are now a lot smaller. People who are restoring old equipment open up the big can capacitors, empty them and place new capacitors in them to keep the original look.
axantas:
I did restore restore/recap video recording "machines" from the late seventies, replaced about 90 capacitors and ended up in front of some quite empty pcb's - size did not matter, so I just left it the way it was. One interesting example here:
KungFuJosh:
Yeah, the size change is totally normal. One thing that annoys me is that some companies make larger electrolytics and charge extra for them to look like old style caps. Pop them open, and they're just newer / smaller caps in a larger shell. 🙄
Zero999:
Why are you recapping? It's often unnecessary to replace all of the electrolytic capacitors.
Smaller isn't always better. Smaller capacitors might have a higher ESR and also won't be able to dissipate as much heat generated by the ripple current, as well as larger ones.
If you must replace a capacitor. Choose one to match the PCB footprint, with a low ESR, high ripple current and temperature rating.
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