This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
Aluminum polymer capacitors, like their standard electrolytic counterparts, are a polarized capacitor type based on an aluminum electrode material with an aluminum oxide dielectric, but distinguished from them by their use of a conductive polymer material instead of traditional fluid electrolytes. Relative to standard aluminum electrolytic capacitors, polymer types tend to exhibit improved electrical performance in exchange for higher cost and greater sensitivity to the operating environment.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: Identifies the construction of device being offered.
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 for 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 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.
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.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as high vibration.
Ripple Current @ Low Frequency: The maximum allowable current flow through a device at the indicated test frequency. Temperature qualifications apply, see datasheet for details.
Ripple Current @ High Frequency: The maximum allowable current flow through a device at the indicated test frequency. Temperature qualifications apply, see 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 or diameter x length.
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 takes up on the board.
Mounting Type: Identifies 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 suppliers 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 # | PPC802M016FG2SAA |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 338-PPC802M016FG2SAA-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) |
| DESCRIPTION | 8000 µF 16 V Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors FlatPack, Tabbed 6mOhm 2000 Hrs @ 125°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | APXG160ARA101ME61G |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 565-4527-2-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Chemi-Con |
| DESCRIPTION | 100 µF 16 V Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors Radial, Can - SMD 27mOhm 15000 Hrs @ 105°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | RL81C221MDN1KX |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 493-4026-1-ND - Cut Tape (CT) |
| MANUFACTURER | Nichicon |
| DESCRIPTION | 220 µF 16 V Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors Radial, Can 12mOhm 2000 Hrs @ 105°C |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Non-Polarized
Polarized
Schematic symbols courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
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Product Training Modules
PZA Series Solid Polymer Electrolytic Capacitor - Rubycon
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TechForum
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