FAQs

Are RoHS and Pb-Free products available from Surge?

Yes, Surge Components provides all it’s products RoHS and Pb-Free (Lead-Free).

What is ESR?

ESR is an abbreviation for Equivalent Series Resistance, the characteristic representing the sum of resistive (ohmic) losses within a capacitor. While ESR is undesirable, all capacitors exhibit it to some degree. Materials and construction techniques used to produce the capacitor exhibit it to some degree. Materials and construction techniques used to produce the capacitor all contribute to the component’s ESR value. ESR is a frequency dependent characteristic, so comparison between component types should be referenced to same frequency. Industry standard reference for ESR is 100 kHz at +25oC. Power dissipation within the capacitor and the effectiveness of the capacitor’s noise suppression characteristics will be related directory to the ESR value.

What is an E-Cap?

E-Cap is an abbreviation for Electrolytic Capacitor.. All E-Caps are polarized with anode (+) and cathode (-) terminals.

What are the differences between "Liquid", "Hybrid", and "Solid", Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors?

These terms (when applied to aluminum electrolytic capacitors) refer to the electrolyte type composition. The electrolyte acts as an electrical connection between the (-) cathode and the dielectric. Different forms (liquid-hybrid-solid) electrolytes have been developed over the years. Each type has benefits (PROS) and undesirable (CONS) characteristics. Development of better electrolytes has primarily focused on reducing the ESR and increasing the ripple current rating, by using higher conductivity materials. Improving the capacitor’s electrical characteristics over temperature (specifically at low temperature) and extending operational life have also been driving R&D in electrolyte development.

Who can I contact for technical assistance or information for Surge Component’s products?

If you have any questions, to help you select the correct Surge product for your board, please contact us at technical@surgecomponents.com.

How can I get samples of Surge Component’s products?

Please contact your local customer service branch to request samples.

Where can I find information on Surge Component’s product changes or discontinued items?

Surge will issue EOL notices as appropriate.

Please explain for the formula for Temperature Rise within a capacitor?

Put simply. The temperature rise formula is the rms AC current (ripple) squared times the ESR of the capacitor at the operating frequency divided be the thermal constant multiplied by the surface area of the capacitor. If the calculated temperature rise is greater that 10C then the capacitor is being overstressed and will eventually fail sooner than it should.

How can I measure the ESR in a practical way?

Put simply. The temperature rise formula is the rms AC current (ripple) squared times the ESR of the capacitor at the operating frequency divided be the thermal constant multiplied by the surface area of the capacitor. If the calculated temperature rise is greater that 10C then the capacitor is being overstressed and will eventually fail sooner than it should.

How can I receive a catalog?

Please contact your local customer service branch to request a catalog.

Where can I find Import-Export Codes for Surge Component’s Products?

Please contact your local customer service branch for proper tariff codes.