This paper describes the characterization of aluminum electrolytic capacitors specifically used in AC-DC power converter applications. It will be discussed why this capacitor technology is critical regarding lifetime and why it cannot be substituted simply by any another capacitor technology. Different aging effects of the capacitor will be discussed. Usage of the capacitor in different AC-DC converter topologies will be presented. Simulation circuits will be used to analyze the capacitor in more detail before suitable measurements will be performed to demonstrate a real example of a switching-mode power supply (SMPS).After the introduction into the aluminum electrolytic capacitor basics and theory, this paper will also present all important and possible measurements of capacitor parameters, like capacitance, equivalent series resistance (ESR) and ripple current. This includes in-circuit measurement which can be performed with an oscilloscope. An LCR-bridge is used to obtain high accuracy measurements in addition. A comparison between the two measurement methods will be presented. Furthermore, the required measurement hardware for the in-circuit measurements and the bridge measurement will be discussed and presented.Lastly, two different lifetime calculation methods are presented and a real example is used to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.Thanks to Mr. Frank Puhane from Würth eiSos GmbH & Co. KG who provided me with all aluminum electrolytic capacitor samples including the prepared capacitor with build-in temperature sensors to perform all measurements. Furthermore, his great expertise was very beneficial and helpful to create this premium application note.

07-Feb-2023 | AN-No. 1SL388

This white paper describes how a QAgent deployment might be handled to lessen the impact on production or lab environments.

Find out what it's like to launch a new product at Rohde & Schwarz! Our employees share their experiences.

This results in minimal trigger jitter without postprocessing correction as well as high sensitivity that can be extended up to 16 bit in HD mode. 16-bit, low noise, RTO2000, high definition, precise measurement The unique digital trigger system from Rohde & Schwarz uses the sampling point of the A/D converter in the acquisition path so that the trigger system's input data is identical to the displayed

03-May-2023 | Press Releases | Test & measurement

At IPAC’23 in Venice, Italy, Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates solutions that meet high precision particle accelerator requirements, address challenges in elementary particle research, particle therapy applications, material characterization, precise beam forming and monitoring as well as safe storage.

Discover direct hit solutions from Rohde & Schwarz for embedded power efficiency testing applications.

Rohde & Schwarz Drivers under VEE - Installation and Troubleshooting

20-Dec-2012 | AN-No. 1MA035

In addition the RTO6 can be used to monitor the communication between the two automotive Ethernet devices and also check the frequency response and spectrum of the noise signal source coming from the SMW. 1000BASE-T1, Signal Quality Indicator (SQI) 1000BASE-T1 interoperability test

RTO2000, signal flow diagrams, dialog boxes, crosslinks Signal flow diagrams in the dialog boxes visualize the signal processing, making it easier to configure measurements. Crosslinks take you directly to logically related settings. Forward/back buttons help you navigate quickly between dialog boxes. Semi-transparent dialog boxes are an elegant way of keeping everything in view.

A wide range of Signal Integrity solutions from Rohde & Schwarz ► Get more information!

Generating models with a VNA and using these on an oscilloscope via the deembedding

23-May-2023 | AN-No. 1SL393

Modul Performance verification with solutions from Rohde & Schwarz

Short description of the commonly used measurement instruments language called SCPI

Verify and debug your PCI express protocols with PCIe test solutions by Rohde & Schwarz ► Get more information!

Visit Rohde & Schwarz at the EMV 2025 in Cologne for all EMC test soltuions and much more.

Comprehensive test solutions guide for production and R&D

Get insights into small cell testing aspects throughout the product life cycle with particular focus on production test solutions for FR2.

19-Jun-2023 | AN-No. 1SL395

Increasing demands on power distribution networks have resulted in smaller DC rails, as well as a proliferation of rails that ensure clean power reaches the pins of integrated circuits.

07-Mar-2017

TC8 – OPEN Alliance - Flyer

Signal model based approach to joint jitter and noise decomposition - First published at DesignCon 2020 - White Paper

How to create your first remote control application

This application note expands modulation bandwidth up to 2 GHz and covers both V- and E-band examples.

18-Jun-2015 | AN-No. 1MA257

Rohde & Schwarz offers test and measurements solutions for verifying the standard compliance of RF power amplifiers.

Explore particle acceleration solutions from test and measurement experts. Trust our industry-leading equipment to meet particle accelerator test requirements.

This application note explains how to convert different Rohde&Schwarz I/Q file formats among each other using the supplied software tool.

23-Sep-2015 | AN-No. 1EF85

From designing a test setup to performing accurate measurements

This application note discusses important aspects of double-pulse test setups as well as how to perform accurate measurements. Double-Pulse testing is a standard test-method.

22-Mar-2021 | AN-No. GFM347

Verify the energy efficiency of your O-RAN radio units

19-Mar-2024

This application note shows developers and manufacturers of devices with LoRa wireless technology how transmitter measurements are conducted in line with FCC Part 15.247.

29-Nov-2017 | AN-No. 1MA295

Increase your knowledge with our webinars on automotive EMC and full-vehicle antenna testing covering topics from CISPR-25 to a practical approach to testing communication systems over the air and EMI debugging.

Oscilloscopes for debugging automotive Ethernet networks - Application Brochure

Learn how to debug serial protocols with an oscilloscope. Explore the most common types of serial protocols, such as UART, (Q)SPI, I2C and CAN bus.