HELP!!!
I found something very cool about two weeks ago: a digital DIY tester for ESR (equivalent series resistance) testing of electrolytics.
Apparently, I did NOT save the link in my bookmarks....I'm sure you know how that goes. Well, whilst I browse my IE history later, I hope someone has happened upon this little device:
The device has a 3-digit LED display, and applies an AC waveform to the test leads. One cannot use coiled test leads of course, as they are tricky inductors! It is autoranging, and reads fractions of an ohm. The kit included a temperature-vs-ESR chart as a guide, and here's the best part: it was about $50!!!
Especially for those of us interested in switching mode power supplies, dynamic testing of those highly stressed electrolytics is a wonderful thing.
Bob
I found something very cool about two weeks ago: a digital DIY tester for ESR (equivalent series resistance) testing of electrolytics.
Apparently, I did NOT save the link in my bookmarks....I'm sure you know how that goes. Well, whilst I browse my IE history later, I hope someone has happened upon this little device:
The device has a 3-digit LED display, and applies an AC waveform to the test leads. One cannot use coiled test leads of course, as they are tricky inductors! It is autoranging, and reads fractions of an ohm. The kit included a temperature-vs-ESR chart as a guide, and here's the best part: it was about $50!!!
Especially for those of us interested in switching mode power supplies, dynamic testing of those highly stressed electrolytics is a wonderful thing.
Bob
ESR Tester!
I knew I would find the wee beastie! Best part: it's a DIY project as well, from the Anatek repair website.
http://www.anatekcorp.com/testequipment/esr.htm
This device allows one to test capacitors with about 5 mV at about 100kHz...it displays the ESR with a digital display.
Bob
I knew I would find the wee beastie! Best part: it's a DIY project as well, from the Anatek repair website.
http://www.anatekcorp.com/testequipment/esr.htm
This device allows one to test capacitors with about 5 mV at about 100kHz...it displays the ESR with a digital display.
Bob
Hello,
I have never thought about this...
How do you guys measure the actual ESR in the circuit? If there is no tester like this?
When I try to model the PSU, I use the ESR provided by capacitor manufactuere..., but we know it's only a estimate.
lhchen
I have never thought about this...
How do you guys measure the actual ESR in the circuit? If there is no tester like this?
When I try to model the PSU, I use the ESR provided by capacitor manufactuere..., but we know it's only a estimate.
lhchen
I built one of the "Dick Smith" ESR meters sold by Anatek. It seems to work quite well. There isn't much need for it when dealing with new components at least so far as go/no-go decisions. In trying to figure out whats wrong with older stuff it's been helpful.
The one place where it was helpful with new components was comparring brands when getting the lowest ESR I could find was an issue.
Comparale commercial meters seem to be around US$150-$250.
The one place where it was helpful with new components was comparring brands when getting the lowest ESR I could find was an issue.
Comparale commercial meters seem to be around US$150-$250.
SiliconChip (Oz electronics mag), have just released a new version of their ESR Meter. Looks pretty good!
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_101187/article.html
Dick Smith is again selling this Mk.2 version.
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/cms/A_101187/article.html
Dick Smith is again selling this Mk.2 version.
It looks a little different. Mostly the table on the front which may have been updated to more accurately reflect typical ESRs one finds today.
I would question how well these unit work a frequencies of 10Mhz or higher. I have done this ESR testing, however it was on a expensive HP circuit analyzer. 🙂
There are other ways to do this. Get a sting of 74ACT04 and some 74ACT74 on a board connected with a 10 MHz clock. Leave some pad for connecting the UUT then connect the caps. You want to test measure across gnd and power and look at the results on a scope. You will be able to verify the noise reduction that way.
The 74ACT part will generate alot of noise...
The 74ACT part will generate alot of noise...
I read a review that compared this to a B&K Precision unit and to another whose name I don't recall. If I could find it, I would post the URL. Anyway, the DS unit tied with the B&K in terms of accuracy. I'm quite sure of that part. I think the B&K had a leg up on ease of use but costs about 3 times as much.
From personal experience the DS works well enough to locate bad electros in old gear. However, somewhere in the review it stated that a "bad" ESR a reading does not neccessarily identify all "leakers", but that is the case for all ESR meters.
From personal experience the DS works well enough to locate bad electros in old gear. However, somewhere in the review it stated that a "bad" ESR a reading does not neccessarily identify all "leakers", but that is the case for all ESR meters.
See, I guess I am looking at it as performance indicator of high low a good ESR type is. I guess that it is really more for trouble shooting.
I'm not sure the absolute readings are precise but I've comparred known (per the datasheets) high and low ESR caps and the the DS ranks them correctly whic is what you want if you are making comparrisons. At least per the datasheets. Considering the cost of the kit versus some of the more expensive units, it is worth a try. Of course if you can find a good industrial model on ebay at a good price - go for it.
I have read about ESR meters for two days now lol seems the blue esr by anatec, you can build it yourself for 79 bucks or buy it prebuilt and set for 109 bucks everyone says it's the best by far for the money it was compared with the independance meter,dick meter, some meter that was 259.00 and one more that was expensive it smoked all of them
Peak make a nice one:
Peak Electronic Design Limited - Atlas ESR PLUS - Equivalent Series Resistance Meter and Capacitor Analyser with Audible Alerts - Model ESR70
I've got their semi-conductor analyser which has been excellent.
Peak Electronic Design Limited - Atlas ESR PLUS - Equivalent Series Resistance Meter and Capacitor Analyser with Audible Alerts - Model ESR70
I've got their semi-conductor analyser which has been excellent.
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