The Transient Effect in Capacitor Leakage Resistance Measurements

Summary--The leakage resistance of capacitors as a function of time is a characteristic to be considered in the choice and control of capacitors, especially in many modern military electronics applications. This paper, by the use of transient circuit analysis, shows why most leakage resistance data accumulated in the electronics industry for capacitors are invalid. Valid data can be obtained by using low resistance meters to make such measurements. Valid experimental curves of leakage resistance vs time for thirteen types of capacitors, each type employing a different dielectric combination, are shown; and the significance of these curves is discussed.