https://www.baldengineer.com/tag/aluminum-electrolyticRecent content in Aluminum Electrolytic on Bald EngineerHugoen-USThu, 31 Mar 2022 02:42:52 +0000https://www.baldengineer.com/esr70-measures-esr.htmlWed, 26 Jun 2019 14:50:45 +0000https://www.baldengineer.com/?post_type=link&p=7877<p>There are three capacitor measurements you need to know how to make: capacitance, leakage current, and equivalent series resistance. Capacitance is easy to measure if you have a current limited supply or can use a resistor. Apply a voltage, then time how long it takes to charge up. You might need to use an oscilloscope or even an Arduino for the second part.  Leakage current is the easiest of the three, apply a voltage (ideally through a resistor) for a few minutes, and then measure the current. ESR requires some special tricks. Since it is the resistance of the &ldquo;wires&rdquo; connecting to the capacitive element&rsquo;s anode and code, you have to measure resistance without charging up the capacitor. (Otherwise, you get leakage.)</p>