Reliability analysis of multilayer polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors

Multilayer polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors represent one of the most recently developed capacitor technology; this paper presents a reliability analysis of multilayer polymer capacitors in elevated-temperature and humidity applications (85 °C). Three groups of capacitors were selected and tested at two different environmental conditions (85 °C/85% RH and 110 °C/85% RH with rated voltage bias). The times to failure were recorded, and a life model was developed that correlates the effects of temperature with the time to failure. This study provides insight into the primary failure modes of these components and guidelines for screening and parts selection.