Sanyo VERSUS Nichicon VERSUS Panasonic which one should I choose? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Skai182
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 02:47:13 pm
content: Hi All,I'm designing a DC-DC power supply for a project I'm working on. The datasheet of the dc-dc converter chip shows which capacitor to get for the certain input and output voltages and all the other parameters. Now they give you the value and everything but they let the choice of the brand up to you. I have the choice between:- Sanyo- Nichicon- PanasonicDo you guys have any advice on which brand is probably the best choice?I'm looking forward to hearing from you.~ Kai

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 05:12:51 pm
content: I am into the audio hobby and all audio people have very good respect for these 3 japanese branded capacitors. Sanyo oscons are normally used in digital circuits like cd players by modders and the other two for digital as well as linear power supply circuits. Seeing that it's a DC to DC convertor it really bouils down to the working voltages that these caps will be subjected to. Sanyo oscon are made in the lower end of the voltage range, I normal see oscons rated as high as 35V any higher would be a custom part by a oem. Thw other two can be as high as 400 - 450Vdc. Of course being a dc to dc circuit you would select for a low esr rating at 100Kz.and operating temperature at 105 degrees as oscons and the other two are rated for. Cost is another factor if your company is making big volume and even the colour matching of the pcb to surrounding components butreal life selection should be based on the suitability of capacitor to be used in a certain part of your circuit where only you know the requirements or specifications. Hope this helps.PS: Don't forget Elna and Nippon Chemicon , also japanese.

author: PChi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 05:25:37 pm
content: All the brands mentioned are good. However even reputable brands fail if used outside their ratings. Also the Semiconductor data sheets sometimes show low value capacitors to show the IC in it's best light. I recommend either calculating the ripple currrent or measuring the ripple voltage and calculating the ripple current or best of all measuring the ripple current and checking the capacitor data sheets.

author: Skai182
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 05:29:04 pm
content: Thanks for the input guys! Since I've got time and the project is in very early development, I'm going to get the same rated caps from all the different brands and maybe even from another few and test who the circuit reacts to that.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 06:02:44 pm
content: There is no sanyo electrolytic caps for many years already, now they are Suncon.

author: singapol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 08:07:10 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 12, 2016, 06:02:44 pmLooks like Panasonic took over...http://industrial.panasonic.com/ww/products/capacitors/polymer-capacitors/os-con

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 08:12:33 pm
content: Also look at the website of the manufacturer to see which series are optimal for dc-dc converter applications and download the datasheets.You have to check for many parameters as ESR, Rimple Current, temperature to name a few. Although I personally prefer Panasonic, Nichicon and Rubycon as Vishay and Cornell Dubilier are also good brands. But if the application note names specific series from specific manufacturers that would be the first choice.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 12, 2016, 08:36:33 pm
content: Quote from: singapol on July 12, 2016, 08:07:10 pmnot electrolytic business. SUN Electronic Industries Corporation was a subsidiary of Sanyo and all of Sanyo electrolytic capacitors were always made by them. They became independent company on Sanyo takeover by Panasonic.PDF letter