Good Question #2: EG cap

[Grant Richter]

Tantalums have better radio frequency conduction
than electrolytics. Leakage may be lower than
an AL electrolytic, but AL electrolytics can be gotten
in low leakage models (Mouser). Recent advances
in AL eletrolytic design make the distinction
more and more fuzzy.

I think what you really want is a +/-5% electrolytic
no matter what the construction.

If a tantalum is reverse voltaged even briefly it
will begin to degrade and eventually fail.
I have had to replace more tantalum caps than
anything else in repair work. They are very good
parts but comparatively fragile.

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> From: KA4HJH <ka4hjh at gte.net>
> To: synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl
> Subject: Good Queston #2: EG cap
> Date: Sunday, January 23, 2000 12:03 AM
> 
> Is there any practical advantage to using a tantalum cap instead of 
> aluminum electrolytic as the timing cap in a slewing circuit such an 
> envelope generator?
> 
> What if you need fairly precise and repeatable control of the timing, 
> e.g., an analog EG under digital control?
> 
> 
> Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
> "The Mac Doctor"
> 
> ICQ: 45652354