Reversed Tantalum Capacitor Problem: A Failure to Fail, a Case Study

Abstract

Reverse Ta capacitors are not expected to last for any length of time much less the over 74000 hours that they have been flying on Express (i.e. ExPRESS (Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station) Logistics Carrier (ELC) on the International Space Station. The report looks at the effects of moisture and temperature have on the capacitors. The removal of moisture has a far greater role in the survival of the capacitors than one would expect. Over 10000 hours of testing will be reviewed.