381LX151M450A022

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are electrical components utilizing aluminum foils as electrodes, which have higher capacitance per unit volume than conventional film capacitors. As aluminum is an excellent material for creating large capacitance in small form factors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors are widely used in cellular phones, cameras, and other small electronics. However, due to their large charge and discharge ability, they are also often used in automotive and industrial equipment, where they are highly valued for their versatility, high-capacity, and low cost.

381LX151M450A022 Application Field and Working Principle

381LX151M450A022 is an aluminum electrolytic capacitor with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C and a rated voltage of 450V DC. These are suitable for use in applications requiring large current charge and discharge ability, such as DC motors, solenoids, relays, and other circuit applications. The capacitance value of this capacitor is 150µF and the leakage current is 1.6mAmps max. It has a maximum allowable ripple current of 1.6A and an ESR of 11mOhms.

The working principle of these capacitors is related to the nature of the two joined aluminum foils. When a voltage is applied between the two foils, the oxide layer on the 1st foil initiates the electrolytic process by forming ions. Depending upon the magnitude of the applied voltage, the ions form a dielectric oxide film which starts acting as a dielectric. As a result, electrical charge is stored in the form of a dielectric field between the two foils, thus forming a capacitor.

The advantage of using aluminum electrolytic capacitors is the increased capacitance in a small form factor. The oxide layer also provides long-term stability with no load life of up to 5,000 hours at a rated temperature. These capacitors are also resistant to vibration and high frequency energy, making them ideal for automotive, electric and electronic equipment.

Conclusion

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are widely used in automotive, electric and electronic equipment due to their great advantages that include small form factor, high capacitance, long load life, and vibration and high frequency resistance. The working principle of these capacitors is based upon the electrolytic process of forming ions on one of the two aluminum foils that form the capacitor, creating a dielectric film for electrical charge storage.