To estimate the design lifetime of an AC/DC converter from RECOM, the following formulas can be utilized. The lifetime primarily depends on the internally used electrolytic capacitors; crucially, their lifetime is influenced by ambient temperature, ripple current, and, within certain limits, the applied operating voltage. Other parameters may also affect the lifetime. RECOM ensures high transparency by publishing various typical definitions of lifetimes in each datasheet. Lifetime estimations are inherently approximations.
Electrolytic Capacitor Lifetime Calculator
| L0 | (nominal lifetime, given in the E-cap datasheet or written on the case) |
| Tmax | (maximum allowed ambient temperature, given in the E-Cap datasheet or written on the case) |
| Tapp | (measured case temperature of the E-Cap in the application – see diagram for test position) |
| Irated | (rated ripple current capacity as given in the E-Cap datasheet). note: only valid at the tested frequency) |
| Iapp | (measured ripple current through the E-Cap in the application – see circuit diagram) |
| Vrated | (rated voltage of the capacitor, given in the E-Cap datasheet or written on the case) |
| Vapp | (measured voltage across the capacitor – see circuit diagram) |
| Lx | (calculated working lifetime of the E-cap in hours and years) |
Please have RECOM confirm any result before utilizing it. The provided formulas do not constitute part of a contract or specification. They do not cover additional aging effects of specific electrolytic systems or other chemical impacts. Also, the dimensions of the components may have an effect. Forced cooling or other supplementary cooling methods strongly impact the lifetime and are not covered by the defined formulas. For the estimation and interpretation of lifetime, a close collaboration with RECOM is strongly recommended.