[sdiy] Tantalum Caps

[Scott Stites]

I work for an electronics manufacturer that builds RF test equipment.  When they're good, tantalum caps are very, very good.  When they're mistreated, they are very, very bad.  In my time I've witnessed or personally blown about every component that ever existed, but nothing is as scary as a tantalum scorned.

When an electrolytic blows, usually because of reversed leads, you get a shower of confetti.  If it's oil filled, you also get an evil fishy smell that lasts *forever*, and there's always the aluminum casing that you have to dodge.

A tant, on the other hand, gets Hot.  Willy peter hot.  Our bench tops can take about anything - lay your soldering iron tip on it for quite a long time and it'll hardly phase these benchtops.  I've seen a tantalum burn right through them like they were butter.  Seriously.  And they will go airborne.  But this is usually from reversed leads.  Otherwise, if they "naturally" go bad, they'll just short without the fireworks.

Tants are great, but always give them the respect they deserve.   Watch the polarity.

Scott
Long time lurker, first time writer.
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