This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
A capacitor is a passive electronic device that stores electric charge. Polarized aluminum electrolytic capacitors have an anode electrode (+) made of pure aluminum foil, an electrolyte that acts as the cathode, and a thin insulating layer of aluminum oxide that acts as the dielectric. Electrolytic capacitors have higher capacitance-voltage (CV) products per unit volume than ceramic capacitors or film capacitors. Applications include audio, automotive, bypass, decoupling, and motor starting capacitors.
SelectionCharacteristics
Capacitance: A measurement of the device’s ability to store an electrical charge. It is measured in Farads (F) and uses the metric system for values.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device value among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Voltage - Rated: Typically this represents the maximum voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): The ESR of Electrolytic capacitors is an important factor to consider in circuits where current levels are relatively high. Also under some circumstances, the current sourced from them needs to have a low source impedance, for example: when the capacitor is being used in a power supply circuit as a reservoir capacitor. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consult the manufacturer’s data sheets to discover whether the electrolytic capacitor chosen will meet the requirements of the circuit. If the ESR is high, then it will not be able to deliver the required amount of current in the circuit without a voltage drop resulting from the ESR which will be seen as a source resistance.
Lifetime @ Temp.: Characterizes a device’s longevity in service at the indicated temperature. Can be calculated using various methods and standards, see the manufacturer’s documentation for supporting information.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Polarization: Indicates whether or not a capacitor is designed to tolerate a reversal of applied voltage during normal operation.
Ratings: Minimum performance standards of the device, which are typically set by a third party.
Applications: Identifies the type of equipment, environment, or function for which the device is intended for use.
Ripple Current @ Low Frequency: The maximum allowable current flow through a device at the indicated test frequency. Temperature qualifications apply, see the datasheet for details.
Ripple Current @ High Frequency: The maximum allowable current flow through a device at the indicated test frequency. Temperature qualifications apply, see the datasheet for details.
Impedance: Identifies the effective resistance of the device to alternating current. It is comprised of resistance and reactance. It is measured in Ohm’s and uses the metric system for values.
Lead Spacing: Indicates the center-to-center spacing between adjacent leads.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the main body of the device. Typically listed as diameter x height.
Height - Seated (Max): Indicates how far the device will extend above the surface to which it has been attached.
Surface Mount Land Size: The length and width the space of the device’s main footprint take up on the board.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | 228TTA050M |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1572-1115-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cornell Dubilier / Illinois Capacitor |
| DESCRIPTION | 2200 µF 50 V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Axial, Can 120.6mOhm @ 120Hz 2000 Hrs @ 85°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 450VXH220MEFCSN25X35 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 1189-2033-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Rubycon |
| DESCRIPTION | 220 µF 450 V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Radial, Can - Snap-In 5000 Hrs @ 105°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | EEE-HC1C101XP |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | PCE3750TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Panasonic Electronic Components |
| DESCRIPTION | 100 µF 16 V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Radial, Can - SMD 3000 Hrs @ 105°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | LNX2J222MSEJ |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 493-9204-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Nichicon |
| DESCRIPTION | 2200 µF 630 V Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors Radial, Can - Screw Terminals 2000 Hrs @ 85°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Non-Polarized
Polarized
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
Videos
How to Find a Replacement Electrolytic Capacitor - Another Teaching Moment
How Electrolytic Capacitor Lifetime is Determined
More Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Videos
Articles
Design Considerations for Selecting Capacitors for DC Link and Inverter Applications
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Capacitor Characteristics Impact Energy Harvesting Efficiency
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Product Training Modules
Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Kemet
Hermetically Sealed Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors - Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE)
Aluminum Electrolytic Axial Leads and Radial Crown Capacitors - Kemet
More Product Training Modules regarding Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors.
Blogs
Finding a Replacement Electrolytic Capacitor
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TechForum
Forum Posts related to Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors.
