Method and system for measuring equivalent series resistance of capacitors and method for decoupling power distribution systems

摘要

A system and method for measuring the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of one or more capacitors using an impedance analyzer, whereby the capacitors are joined to the impedance analyzer with a conductive adhesive. The conductive adhesive may advantageously provide for an electrically and mechanically stable connection between the capacitor and the remainder of the electrical circuit used to measure the ESR of the capacitor. The conductive adhesive may include heat activated or cold solder, or conductive putty. The system comprises a measuring unit for sweeping a frequency range to find the minimum impedance for the capacitor and a connector assembly for holding the capacitor in an electrically and mechanically stable connection using the conductive adhesive. The connector assembly includes a mating portion adapted for electrically connecting the connector assembly to an I/O port of the measuring unit and a terminal portion that accommodates a connection to the capacitor using the conductive adhesive. The method comprises connecting a mating portion of the connector assembly to the impedance analyzer. Next, the impedance analyzer is calibrated, and the capacitor is then connected to a terminal portion of the connector assembly using the conductive adhesive. Finally, the impedance analyzer sweeps a frequency range to find the ESR for the capacitor. The method may also measure the ESR of each of a number of capacitors using an impedance analyzer. The method may connect in series the number of capacitors to the connector assembly using the conductive adhesive. The method determines the equivalent series resistance of each of the number of capacitors by dividing the minimum impedance by the number of capacitors. The method may also comprise selecting one or more capacitors, measuring the ESR of each of the capacitors, and determining a desired number of each of the capacitors for placing into a power distribution system.