🚀 go-pugleaf

I seem to remember a few years ago we had an HP-87 prototype (personal
desktop computer) catch fire.  Problem was traced to a small bypass capacitor
on a 6V supply; its dielectric material for some reason broke down and
ignited.  Further investigation showed that particular type of capacitor to
be fairly prone to such failure.  I don't remember whether we changed the
type of capacitor, or switched to a different manufacturer, but using a
different part did cure the problem.

Don't overlook seemingly innocent components as potential problem spots.
EVERYONE uses things like bypass capacitors just about EVERYWHERE (ever
wonder what that little capacitor next to each chip in a RAM array was for?).
The voltage doesn't really matter; as long as there's enough current to
heat up anything that's shorted out, and the power supply doesn't see
the problem and limit the current or shut itself down ...

bill frolik
hp-pcd!bill
Hewlett-Packard Portable Computer Division
Corvallis, Oregon