To estimate the design lifetime of a RECOM AC/DC converter , the following formulas can be applied. A converter's operational lifespan is primarily determined by its internal electrolytic capacitors, which are heavily influenced by ambient temperature, ripple current, and operating voltage. While other variables may also play a role, RECOM ensures high transparency by publishing typical lifetime definitions in every product datasheet. Please note that these 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.