Preface

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are indispensable energy storage components in electronic circuits, widely used in key fields such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and industrial control. They perform important functions in circuits such as power supply filtering, temporary energy storage, and signal coupling. Their performance and operational reliability have a decisive impact on the stability of the entire electronic system. Therefore, during the circuit design stage, engineers must pay full attention to their structural characteristics, manufacturing processes, and service life, among other core parameters. Based on this, Follon Electronics will start from the technical fundamentals, systematically analyze the inherent characteristics and key parameters of aluminum electrolytic capacitors, and combine them with diverse practical application conditions to provide professional and suitable aluminum electrolytic capacitor selection suggestions and solutions for customers in different fields.

PART.01 Basic Structure of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

The construction of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor begins with connecting the anode and cathode aluminum foils to their respective terminals. Subsequently, they are wound together with electrolytic paper to form a core roll. This roll core, after being fully impregnated with electrolyte, is sealed inside a metal aluminum case. Through this precise combination and interaction of components, the capacitor accomplishes its basic mission of storing electrical energy and releasing it when needed.

Thanks to its sophisticated internal structure, the aluminum electrolytic capacitor can provide extremely high capacitance within a compact space. This characteristic makes it play an indispensable role in power management and industrial automation systems. Benefiting from the continuous evolution of material technology and production processes, aluminum electrolytic capacitors continue to improve in terms of energy efficiency, stability, and miniaturization, laying an important hardware foundation for the performance evolution and form innovation of contemporary electronic products.

PART.02 Soldering Conditions

In the aluminum electrolytic capacitor industry, Follon Electronics is known for its full-range product coverage capability. Relying on its comprehensive product portfolio and continuous technological R&D, the company has successfully built a complete product ecosystem that can address diverse and multi-level market demands.

▲ Reflow Soldering Profile Diagram

1. Temperature rise: average maximum 3°C per second.

2. Temperature drop: average maximum 6°C per second.

3. Time from 25°C to peak temperature: maximum 6 minutes.

   ① Preheating time from 150°C to 180°C should be within 120 seconds.

   ② Soldering time where the capacitor top temperature exceeds 217°C must not exceed tL (seconds).

   ③ The peak temperature at the capacitor top must not exceed Tp (°C), and the actual time within a 5°C range of the peak temperature must not exceed tp (seconds).

PART.03 Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Life Calculation

The service life of FOLLON aluminum electrolytic capacitors largely depends on their operating environment (e.g., ambient temperature, humidity, etc.) and the electrical stress they endure (e.g., applied voltage, ripple current, etc.). From the perspective of failure mechanism, the end of life for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is usually attributed to the slow evaporation of its internal electrolyte through the rubber sealing plug. Precisely because of this, temperature—including ambient temperature and the heat generated internally by the ripple current—becomes the most critical factor affecting its lifespan. Its life can typically be estimated using the following formula:

Le = Lo ⋅ Kt ⋅ Kr

Where:

Le = Expected life at operating temperature Te (h)

Lo = Life at operating temperature To (h)

Kt = Ambient temperature influence factor

Kr = Ripple current influence factor

Kt = Lo ⋅ A^( (To - Te) / 10 )

Where:

To = Maximum rated operating temperature (°C)

Te = Actual ambient application temperature (°C)

A = Acceleration coefficient (for the range from 35°C to the maximum operating temperature, A ≈ 2)

Kr = 2^( -ΔT / 5 )

Where:

ΔT = Internal core temperature rise due to ripple current (ΔT = Core temperature - Ambient temperature)

ΔT can be estimated using the following formula:

ΔT = ( I² ⋅ R ) / ( β ⋅ S )

Where:

I = Ripple current through the capacitor (A rms)

R = Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) of the capacitor (Ω)

β = Thermal radiation coefficient of the aluminum case (W/°C⋅cm²)

S = Surface area of the capacitor

When the influence of ripple current is neglected, the expected life of the capacitor at lower temperatures can be referred to the following chart.

Example: For a 105°C 2000-hour product, if used continuously in a 60°C environment, its expected life is approximately 5 years.

PART.04 Follon's Main Product Lines

As a professional manufacturer of aluminum electrolytic capacitors achieving full-spectrum coverage, Follon Electronics, relying on its complete product portfolio and continuous technological innovation, has built a product matrix capable of meeting diversified and multi-level application demands.

• Chip Type Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors encompass:

• Standard products: FVH series;

• High-reliability types: FVA (high temperature, long life), FVT (high temperature, long life), FVX (ultra-high temperature) series;

• Miniaturized types: FVM (reduced size) series;

• Low impedance, long life types: FVR (extremely low impedance), FFT (high capacitance, ultra-low impedance), FVL (long life, extremely low impedance), FVD (5000-hour high voltage, long life), FVG (ultra-long life), FVW (ultra-long life, extremely low impedance), FVK (ultra-long life) series;

• Non-polarized types: FVN (non-polarized, long life), FNP (high temperature, non-polarized) series;

• Low leakage current types: FVC (low leakage current) series.

• Solid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors encompass:

• SMD chip types: FPA (standard) series, FPS (reduced size) series, FPK (long life) series, FPU (high temperature) series;

• Through-hole types: PRA (standard) series, FRS (reduced size) series, FRK (long life) series, FRU (high temperature) series.

• Hybrid Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors encompass:

• SMD chip types: FBV (long life) series, FBW (high temperature) series;

• Through-hole types: FBR (long life) series, FBU (high temperature) series.

• Follon Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor - Product System Diagram

PART.05 About Us

In an era of rapid technological advancement in electronics, Follon Electronics, with its rigorous manufacturing processes and profound technical expertise, is committed to providing the market with a full range of aluminum electrolytic capacitor products covering multiple fields such as consumer electronics and industrial control, balancing both general standards and special stringent requirements. Follon Electronics looks forward to close collaboration with engineers and industry partners. By providing high-reliability and high-performance aluminum electrolytic capacitor solutions, we aim to jointly contribute to the advancement of China's electronics industry towards a new stage of higher-quality development.

Contact Us

Guangdong Follon Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

Jiangxi Follon Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

Address: Building 3, South District, Haishan Technology Park, Hukou County, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China

www.follon.com