Passive Components Products:

ALUMINUM CAPACITORS

Aluminum capacitors are a type of electrolytic capacitor that uses aluminum as one of the electrodes. These capacitors are known for their high capacitance values and are commonly used in electronic circuits for various applications. There are two main types of aluminum capacitors: aluminum electrolytic capacitors and aluminum organic polymer capacitors.

1. Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors:

   • Construction: These capacitors consist of two aluminum foils separated by a paper or aluminum oxide dielectric. The electrolyte used is typically a liquid or gel-like substance.
   • Types:There are two main subtypes:
     • Non-solid (wet) electrolytic capacitors: These have a liquid electrolyte and are available in radial and axial lead configurations. They are often used in power supply applications.
     • Solid electrolytic capacitors: These use a solid electrolyte and are further divided into tantalum capacitors and aluminum organic polymer capacitors.

2. Aluminum Organic Polymer Capacitors (AOC):

   • Construction: AOCs are a type of solid aluminum electrolytic capacitor with an organic polymer electrolyte. The polymer material replaces the traditional liquid electrolyte, providing advantages in terms of stability and low equivalent series resistance (ESR).
   • Advantages: AOCs offer lower ESR, longer life, and better performance in high-frequency applications compared to traditional aluminum electrolytic capacitors.
   • Applications: AOCs are commonly used in applications where high-frequency performance and low ESR are critical, such as in power supplies, motherboards, and other electronic devices.

3. Advantages of Aluminum Capacitors:

   • High Capacitance: Aluminum capacitors offer high capacitance values, making them suitable for applications where a large amount of charge storage is required.
   • Cost-Effective: They are generally more cost-effective than some other types of capacitors, especially for their high capacitance.
   • Widely Available: Aluminum capacitors are widely produced and available, making them easy to source for various electronic applications.
   • High Voltage Ratings: They are available with high voltage ratings, making them suitable for use in power supply circuits.

4. Limitations:

   • Polarity: Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are polarized components, meaning they must be connected in a specific orientation to avoid damage.
   • Temperature Sensitivity: The performance of aluminum capacitors can be affected by temperature, and their capacitance may decrease at higher temperatures.
   • Limited Lifespan: While advances have been made, electrolytic capacitors, in general, may have a limited lifespan compared to some other types of capacitors.

Aluminum capacitors are widely used in power supply circuits, audio systems, and various electronic devices where their combination of high capacitance and cost-effectiveness is advantageous. It's essential to choose the right type of capacitor based on the specific requirements and conditions of the application.

IBS Electronics offers first-rate service and quality to deliver industry leading, high performance capacitance solutions to its customers around the world. IBS Electronics offers an extensive line of surface-mount and through-hole capacitor technologies used both in commercial and military applications across tantalum, ceramic, aluminum, film and paper dielectrics.

In addition to our franchise lines we actively stock and order parts from the following manufacturers: