Warranty Period: The duration of the warranty can vary. Some capacitors may come with a limited one-year warranty, while others may have longer warranties, such as two, three, or more years.
How long do aluminum electrolytic capacitors last?
Today's aluminum electrolytic capacitors have longer shelf life, usually around 2 years, as compared to their predecessors. For aluminum electrolytic capacitors, the changes in ESR, capacitance, and leakage current are caused by chemical reaction between the aluminum oxide film and the electrolyte.
How long does a ceramic capacitor last?
The shelf life of ceramic capacitors is greatly determined by method of packaging and storage conditions. Unlike aluminum electrolytic capacitors, the dielectric material of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) does not exhibit failures when the capacitor is stored for a short period of time.
How should ceramic capacitors be stored?
Ceramic capacitors should be stored at temperature and humidity conditions specified by the manufacturer. Before using a capacitor, you should check the recommended shelf life, date of receipt, and inspect terminations. For most capacitors, the shelf life is significantly determined by storage conditions.
Subjecting capacitors to harsh conditions can significantly affect their electrical properties, or even damage them completely. The effect of environmental factors on the shelf life of capacitors varies depending on the chemical composition and construction of a capacitor.
Tantalum capacitors have a long shelf life. The electrical characteristics of these capacitors are not affected significantly when they are stored for a long period of time. Unlike aluminum electrolytic capacitors, tantalum capacitors have higher stability, and their capacitance does not decrease with time.
Before using a capacitor, it is important to check its receipt time. Some capacitors require reforming after they have been stored for an extended period of time without recharge. To maximize the life of capacitors, they should be stored under conditions specified by the manufacturer.