What are the common types of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors? How to choose a high-voltage electrolytic capacitor?
What are the common types of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors?
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors:
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the most widely used type of high-voltage electrolytic capacitor.
They use aluminum foil as the positive electrode, an aluminum oxide film as the dielectric, and an electrolyte liquid.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors have the advantages of small size, large capacity, and low price, but their service life is relatively short, generally around 10,000 hours.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors can also be divided into different types based on the packaging form, such as bolt-on type, horn type, plug-in type (lead structure), and surface mount type.
The voltage of bolt-on type aluminum electrolytic capacitors ranges from 200-700V, and the capacity ranges from 1800uF to 33000uF.
The voltage of horn type aluminum electrolytic capacitors ranges from 200-600V, and the capacity ranges from 68uF to 2200uF. Plug-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a voltage range of 5-450V and a capacity of 1uF to 2200uF.
SMD aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a voltage range of 5-50V.
Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors:
Tantalum electrolytic capacitors are high-voltage electrolytic capacitors with low capacitance but relatively good stability.
They use tantalum foil as the positive electrode, aluminum oxide as the dielectric, and a liquid electrolyte.
Tantalum electrolytic capacitors can be made very small, but are relatively expensive. They are generally used in applications requiring small size and high performance.
By Capacity:
High-voltage electrolytic capacitors are generally available in various sizes, including 330uF, 470uF, 680uF, 820uF, 1000uF, and 1200uF.
The withstand voltage is generally 200V and the temperature resistance is 85°C.
High-Voltage Electrolytic Capacitor Selection
Selecting a high-voltage electrolytic capacitor requires comprehensive consideration of multiple parameters. The following are the key considerations for selecting high-voltage electrolytic capacitors, compiled from reference articles:
1. Capacitance
The capacitance of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors generally ranges from tens of microfarads (µF) to thousands of microfarads. The specific capacitance selection should be determined based on the circuit requirements.
Common capacitance sizes include 330µF, 470µF, 680µF, 820µF, 1000µF, and 1200µF.
2. Voltage Withstand
The voltage withstand of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors is a critical parameter when selecting them, as excessive voltages can cause them to fail.
The voltage withstand of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors is generally above 200V.
When selecting, ensure that the capacitor's rated voltage is higher than the actual operating voltage in the circuit. Typically, the rated voltage should be 1.2 to 1.3 times the actual operating voltage.
3. Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient indicates the percentage change in capacitance with temperature changes. This is a factor to consider when selecting, especially when using electrolytic capacitors in high-temperature environments. Different types of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors have different temperature coefficients and temperature ranges. When selecting an appropriate capacitor, consider the actual application temperature.
4. Size
Size is another important factor to consider when selecting a capacitor. Choosing a capacitor that is too large or too small can degrade system performance.
Select the appropriate capacitor size based on the circuit board layout and mounting space.
5. Frequency Response
Frequency response is an important specification, especially in systems requiring high-speed response.
Select an appropriate capacitor based on the circuit's operating frequency and the capacitor's frequency characteristics.
6. Failure Mechanisms
Failure mechanisms of electrolytic capacitors typically include hardening, leakage, and increased internal resistance.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors:
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the most widely used type of high-voltage electrolytic capacitor.
They use aluminum foil as the positive electrode, an aluminum oxide film as the dielectric, and an electrolyte liquid.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors have the advantages of small size, large capacity, and low price, but their service life is relatively short, generally around 10,000 hours.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors can also be divided into different types based on the packaging form, such as bolt-on type, horn type, plug-in type (lead structure), and surface mount type.
The voltage of bolt-on type aluminum electrolytic capacitors ranges from 200-700V, and the capacity ranges from 1800uF to 33000uF.
The voltage of horn type aluminum electrolytic capacitors ranges from 200-600V, and the capacity ranges from 68uF to 2200uF. Plug-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a voltage range of 5-450V and a capacity of 1uF to 2200uF.
SMD aluminum electrolytic capacitors have a voltage range of 5-50V.
Tantalum Electrolytic Capacitors:
Tantalum electrolytic capacitors are high-voltage electrolytic capacitors with low capacitance but relatively good stability.
They use tantalum foil as the positive electrode, aluminum oxide as the dielectric, and a liquid electrolyte.
Tantalum electrolytic capacitors can be made very small, but are relatively expensive. They are generally used in applications requiring small size and high performance.
By Capacity:
High-voltage electrolytic capacitors are generally available in various sizes, including 330uF, 470uF, 680uF, 820uF, 1000uF, and 1200uF.
The withstand voltage is generally 200V and the temperature resistance is 85°C.
High-Voltage Electrolytic Capacitor Selection
Selecting a high-voltage electrolytic capacitor requires comprehensive consideration of multiple parameters. The following are the key considerations for selecting high-voltage electrolytic capacitors, compiled from reference articles:
1. Capacitance
The capacitance of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors generally ranges from tens of microfarads (µF) to thousands of microfarads. The specific capacitance selection should be determined based on the circuit requirements.
Common capacitance sizes include 330µF, 470µF, 680µF, 820µF, 1000µF, and 1200µF.
2. Voltage Withstand
The voltage withstand of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors is a critical parameter when selecting them, as excessive voltages can cause them to fail.
The voltage withstand of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors is generally above 200V.
When selecting, ensure that the capacitor's rated voltage is higher than the actual operating voltage in the circuit. Typically, the rated voltage should be 1.2 to 1.3 times the actual operating voltage.
3. Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient indicates the percentage change in capacitance with temperature changes. This is a factor to consider when selecting, especially when using electrolytic capacitors in high-temperature environments. Different types of high-voltage electrolytic capacitors have different temperature coefficients and temperature ranges. When selecting an appropriate capacitor, consider the actual application temperature.
4. Size
Size is another important factor to consider when selecting a capacitor. Choosing a capacitor that is too large or too small can degrade system performance.
Select the appropriate capacitor size based on the circuit board layout and mounting space.
5. Frequency Response
Frequency response is an important specification, especially in systems requiring high-speed response.
Select an appropriate capacitor based on the circuit's operating frequency and the capacitor's frequency characteristics.
6. Failure Mechanisms
Failure mechanisms of electrolytic capacitors typically include hardening, leakage, and increased internal resistance.
Sep 24,2025