476AVG100MGBJ

Aluminum - Polymer Capacitors: 476AVG100MGBJ Application Field and Working Principle

Aluminum - polymer capacitors are a type of non-polarized, electrolytic capacitors which have become increasingly popular due to their ability to produce high-reliability, large-volume capacitance values, in a wide variety of small through-hole form factors. Aluminum – polymer capacitors use a composite material, made of an electrically conductive aluminum foil and a dielectric (insulating) polymer, as the electrical storage medium. This type of capacitor is composed of two isolated electrodes consisting of two separate layers; an anode of aluminum foil with etch patterns and a cathode of a dielectric polymer film. When a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, a polarized electric field forms in the dielectric material and charges are attracted to the electrodes. This creates an electrical capacitance that stores energy in the form of an electric charge.

Aluminum - polymer capacitors 476AVG100MGBJ series capacitors are designed for medium to high power applications such as power supply filtering and coupling applications. These capacitors offer excellent performance with high ripple current ratings, low ESR and ESL values, wide voltage range and wide temperature range. They have high capacitance (100µF) and long life (up to 2,000 hours). The 476AVG100MGBJ series capacitors are available in a variety of surface mount form-factors and in diameters from 5mm to 10mm.

The 476AVG100MGBJ application field and working principle can be broken down into two main components; the anode and the cathode.

The Anode: The anode of an aluminum - polymer capacitor consists of aluminum foil with etched patterns and is the electrode which collects electrons when a voltage is applied across the electrodes. The aluminum layer is treated with a solution that creates intricate etch patterns which work to maximize surface area and drive capacitance. The etch patterns also allow for larger capacitance values in the same form-factor by reducing the distance between the two electrodes.

The Cathode: The cathode is made from a dielectric polymer film which works to insulate and separate the two electrodes. The cathode layer serves to provide the electrical insulation needed for effective capacitance between the two electrodes. The dielectric also has its own capacitance which helps to increase the total capacitance.

In order to make use of the 476AVG100MGBJ capacitors, they must first be connected to a circuit. When connected to a power source, a voltage is applied across the two electrodes which causes electrons to flow from the anode to the cathode. As electrons are attracted to the cathode, the electrical capacitance of the capacitor stores the charge. This stored charge is what provides the current which passes through the capacitor and is then used to power the circuit.

Aluminum – polymers capacitors are an increasingly popular choice for many types of electronic applications due to their excellent performance characteristics, robust construction, and cost effectiveness. The 476AVG100MGBJ series of aluminum - polymer capacitors are especially ideal for medium to high power applications, as they offer excellent long-term reliability, wide voltage and temperature ranges, and high capacitance value.