Linearity and drift already covered by the other the other folks... Offset: When something is supposed to read a specific value (usually voltage), what is it a

Linearity and drift already covered by the other the other folks... Offset: When something is supposed to read a specific value (usually voltage), what is it actually reading? Most op-amps (configured as buffers) won't actually read 0V if 0V is applied. Usually this offset is super small (10s of mV, or even way less) in modern op-amps. Sometimes it's offset current. Many op-amps specify both current and voltage offset. Temperature-related drift: This is component value change specifically related to temperature. Multi-layer ceramic capacitors are especially susceptible to this. A 'good' MLCC might 'only' drift +/-20% across temperature Aging: As a component ages, how does its value change? Electrolytic capacitors have this problem. If you've ever heard of people talking about replacing capacitors on old TVs or what-not, it's almost always those caps. The paste in the electrolytic caps dries out and affects the value of the capacitor. Once this reaches a certain point, the circuit won't work anymore. Note I provided specified examples for each of those problems, but they exist across pretty much every type of component to various degrees. For example, linearity can be a big issue on ceramic capacitors. Their values can change as much as 80% (yes, 80%) with applied voltage which can cause some really weird non-linear behavior to some circuits. Most modern silicon probably doesn't have many problems with aging unless it's driven to the ragged edge of its performance or there's an actual defect, since typically chips are qualified to run for a minimum of 100,000 hours. That being said, eventually it WILL fail if it's running constantly. Electromigration affects all silicon. By comparison, usually electrolytic capacitors you'll be lucky to get 10,000 hours out of them. Less the hotter they get and the more the voltage applied is.