Questions tagged [electrolytic-capacitor]
An energy-dense polarized capacitor type, used in low-frequency filtering applications.
374
questions
92
votes
11
answers
76k
views
Can you make a non-polar electrolytic capacitor out of two regular electrolytic capacitors?
There was some discussion on this question
What are some reasons to connect capacitors in series?
What are some reasons to connect capacitors in series?
which I don't see as being conclusively ...
75
votes
6
answers
13k
views
What happened to electrolytic capacitors in the 21st century?
We can sometimes see decades-old capacitors (such as ones made in the USSR) still working. They are bigger and heavier, but durable and not desiccating. Modern aluminium capacitors serve for about 11 ...
39
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Should I discard my inventory of old electrolytic capacitors?
I have been doing hobby electronics for more than 10 years, and some of my electrolytic capacitors are easily that age. They seem to work just fine and do not show corrosion or other visible defects, ...
37
votes
6
answers
42k
views
Do electrolytic capacitors have a limited shelf life?
Do electrolytic capacitors have a limited shelf life? I would like to know for both aluminium and tantalum.
23
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Is the capacitor drawn or wired wrongly?
In my recent study of electronics, I chance upon a guide on building a line-following robot. In one of the diagram shown, I realized that the capacitors, namely, C1, C2, C4 and C5, all marked with red ...
23
votes
2
answers
41k
views
How do I decide what capacitor to use in a circuit?
I am using a voltage regulator, and to get cleaner power, the datasheet recommends using a 0.33uF capacitor. However, it doesn't say what type it wants. Stupidly, I ...
22
votes
7
answers
6k
views
Why are electrolytic capacitors still in production?
What are the advantages of using electrolytic capacitors?
I know in the past electrolytic capacitors would have more capacitance, but with Multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) they seem completely ...
18
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How to Measure Very Large Capacitance e.g. Super/Ultra Capacitors
I have recently acquired a couple of mysterious ultra/super capacitors from my brother. Apparently he doesn't remember any of the specifications or even brand... To further complicate matters, they ...
18
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Maximal operational pressure of tantalum and electrolytic capacitors
I need to design a device that have to operate in an high pressure environment (Nitrogen gas). The operational pressure may vary from 1bar (atmospheric) up to 20..30bar gauge pressure. The regular ...
15
votes
2
answers
9k
views
What is the "CV" unit for leakage current in a capacitor datasheet?
I've looked at a few leakage current specifications for electrolytic capacitors, and they all seem to specify the value as something like this:
I < 0.01 CV or 3 (μA) after 2 minutes, whichever ...
15
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Does an electrolytic capacitor degrade each time it receives reverse voltage?
I know that I mustn't connect an electrolytic capacitor reversely. It will explode if I apply the reverse voltage long enough.
But, what happens if the reverse voltage is applied for a short time? ...
15
votes
3
answers
9k
views
I just blew a capacitor. Now what?
We worked two years on and off on this project at my friend's place. Finally we finish, I take it home. There's a power supply unit but it can't be connected directly to mains, it expects some lower ...
15
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Why do some devices use electrolytic capacitors instead of ceramics for small value components?
I've recently run into a number of consumer-grade devices that use 50v, 0.22uF electrolytic capacitors, as well as other similarly rated parts, all below about 10uF. In use, the voltages on them are ...
14
votes
5
answers
3k
views
What is the purpose of an electrolytic capacitor in this small electronics project?
As someone trying to learn electronics, I found the following diagram where there are these two electrolytic capacitors (470uF).
Could someone explain the use of these components? How does the number/...
13
votes
5
answers
4k
views
High short circuit failure rate of aluminum electrolytic capacitors during the production processes
I have produced 1000 units of our new developed energy meter. Almost 20 aluminum electrolytic capacitors (2%) have failed short when we test them during the production processes. The Capacitor is a ...