SMPS Component Lifetime Estimation – Design That Lasts
⚠️ The Problem :
Many hobbyists and even professionals overlook the lifetime of components inside an SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply). The most common failure points are electrolytic capacitors and MOSFETs, which degrade over time due to heat, ripple current, and voltage stress. Without proper design considerations, even a well-built SMPS can fail prematurely.
✅ The Solution :
To make your SMPS last longer, choose components with good thermal ratings and calculate their expected lifespan based on operating conditions. Capacitors, in particular, follow a well-known principle: for every 10°C decrease in temperature, their lifetime approximately doubles.
Use capacitors rated for 105°C, but design your circuit to run closer to 65°C. Similarly, use MOSFETs with low Rds(on) to reduce heating and improve efficiency.
🔍 Practical Example :
Suppose you’re building a 12V, 2A power supply for an LED strip. The electrolytic capacitor is rated for 2000 hours at 105°C. But your enclosure keeps the temperature at 65°C. How long will the capacitor last?
🧮 Sample Calculation :
Use the capacitor life formula:
Lactual=Lrated×210Trated−Tactual
=2000×2(105−65)/10=2000×16=32,000 hours
That’s over 3.5 years of continuous use—a huge improvement!
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