to Low ESR or not to Low ESR, that is the ... ( was Re: GECKOS 201

Hello Dave,
As I understand, from what the article said, a low ESR cap will be
less affected by ripple, thus heat up less, thus last longer. The
higher the ESR, the more it will be affected by the ripple, thus heat
up more, and not last as long.

So, it looks like if you want the 470uF cap to 'protect' the Gecko
longer, the cap itself has to last longer. A cap with a high ESR
wont last as long, so when it looses effectiveness, it's value as
a 'safety valve' is diminished.

What I think it really comes down to: is the 470uF cap going to be
adversly affected by ripple current at the terminal of the Gecko. If
not, then a cap with a specifically low ESR isn't required.

Jeff
www.xylotex.com

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "turbulatordude" <davemucha@j...> wrote:
> Hi Jeff,
>
> interesting article and the web page added a neat saying about the
>
> "The reliability of any piece of electronics is inversely
> proportional to the number of electrolytic capacitors in it"
>
> I do understand the ESR, but the 470uF at the input on the Gecko is
> there to filter the ripple from the drives, or rather from the
motors
> as they are switched off. The 470uF is there as a safety valve so
to
> speak and will not enhance or detract from the performance of the
> Gecko or the power supply.
>
> I just don't see any major benefits from a low ESR vs. a more
common
> cap.
>
> Dave
>
>
>