re:Re: tantalum caps

Wally K, others, and list,

Okay, someone mentioned this has been beat to death. But not much in
the way of useful CNC "real" circuit info presented, IMO. :-(

Results:
1)When to use tantalum?
long cycle timing circuits.
timing circuits (with one dissenter, who was told by an expert that
drift made them unsuitable).

2) When NOT to use tantalums?
When power supply "inrush" is possible, unless a series resistor is
added, which negates the low ESR of the tant. cap.
When circuit design shows (by failure) that they won't work.

3) Additional considerations.
They will fail soon, if they are to fail. (this is true of almost all
electronic components!)
"Good" design and "proper" usage will lead to success with tant. caps
(again, this is true of nearly all electronic components)
Multi-layer ceramics have improved to the point of being a suitable
replacement for tant. caps (but tolerance/tempco is poor)

So, getting back to Jon E's post "I never use 'em" and MY post "HOW
and WHEN to use 'em; What is the answer?

Since the concensus seems to be "it's OK to use 'em", WHERE and HOW
should they be spec'd? WHAT is the "good design" and "proper usage"
alluded to, but never stated?!?

Ballendo ( who understands that sometimes simple questions don't have
simple answers)


Wally K writes:

>Do not get paranoid about tantalums.
>This thread needs a little common sense.