Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
Our range of aluminum electrolytic capacitors offers superior durability, long service life, and high capacitance-to-volume ratios, making them ideal for applications where space is limited but performance is critical. Known for their ability to handle high ripple currents and work in high-voltage environments, these capacitors are essential components in various industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and industrial machinery.
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Computer Grade Capacitors
Rated at +85 or +105 °C with screw terminals, these computer-grade capacitors are suitable from low to high voltage applications. -
Snap-In Capacitors
High-reliability, snap-in terminal style capacitors that are designed for easy mounting on PCB and can withstand wide range of temperature. -
Car Audio Capacitors
These long life, high ripple current car audio capacitors are great additions to any audio system that is in need of extra power. -
Miniature Capacitors
Long life, small-sized, aluminum electrolytic capacitors for general electronics products applications. -
Photo Flash Capacitors
Low loss aluminum electrolytic capacitors with radial wire leads or solder lug terminals commonly used for photo flash. -
Non-Polarized Capacitors
Small sized aluminum electrolytic capacitors commonly used in polarity reverses and change circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aluminum electrolytic capacitors used for?
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors provide high capacitance in a compact package, making them ideal for energy storage, power-supply filtering, and smoothing in consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and industrial machinery. They offer high capacitance in a small package and stand up to the heavy, rapid charge-and-discharge cycles (ripple current) found in demanding equipment.
What types are available in this category?
The line includes computer-grade capacitors with screw terminals, snap-in styles for easy PCB mounting, car-audio capacitors built for high ripple current and long life, miniature capacitors for compact designs, photo-flash capacitors with radial leads or solder-lug terminals, and non-polarized capacitors for special circuits.
What does polarity mean, and what is a non-polarized capacitor?
Some aluminum electrolytic capacitors are polarized, meaning they have a positive and a negative terminal and must be installed in the correct orientation — reversing them can cause failure. Non-polarized versions can be connected either way, which makes them suitable for circuits where the polarity reverses or changes, such as certain AC and crossover applications.
What do the temperature ratings (85°C vs. 105°C) mean?
The rating is the maximum temperature at which the capacitor can operate continuously while meeting its rated life. Computer-grade models are offered at +85°C or +105°C; a 105°C part tolerates hotter environments and generally provides longer life at a given temperature. Choose the higher rating for high-heat or long-life applications.
How do I select the right electrolytic capacitor for my application?
Match the capacitance (µF) and choose a voltage rating with headroom above your circuit’s working voltage. Then consider how much ripple current it needs to handle, its temperature rating, terminal style (screw, snap-in, radial, or solder lug), and physical size. For audio, look for high ripple-current, long-life types; for high-heat locations, choose a 105°C rating.
