ERWL401LGC562MDK0M

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, often referred to as "aluminum caps" or "electrolytic caps", are just one type of capacitor available in the electronics world. The acronym ERWL401LGC562MDK0M stands for "electrically-rewirable, linkable, low-ESR, low-height, General-purpose, Conformal, plastic-filled 5.6mm pitch, long life, high-temperature, wide-temperature-range, and MK0M." This designation is given to all types of aluminum electrolytic capacitor.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the preferred type for applications that require high energy storage and rapid charge/discharge, such as in power supplies and audio equipment. Their superior linearity and low-inductance designs make them the best choice for such applications. In addition, aluminum electrolytic capacitors are typically the least expensive type of capacitor, and their ability to be re-wired and linked makes them both versatile and economical.

Application Field

Because they are compact, efficient, and cost-effective, aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the go-to choice for many applications in the electronics world. These capacitors are most commonly used in power supplies, including linear and switching designs, as well as in audio equipment such as amplifiers and speakers, and in switching of light circuits. In addition, they are often used for resonant and drive circuitry in any device that has an element of energy storage or high-frequency charging and discharging. They are also used in filtering devices, power regulators, and many DC-powered products.

Working Principle

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors work on the principle of storing electrical energy in the form of a thin layer of metal oxide. The oxide layer is electrically conductive and stores electric charge when it is subjected to a voltage. The oxide layer is formed from the electrolysis of an aluminum plate immersed in an electrolyte solution. The oxide layer is the dielectric material in the electrolytic capacitor.

The most important characteristic of electrolytic capacitors is their ability to hold charge for long periods of time. This is because the oxide layer is a very thin insulation layer with a low equivalent series resistance (ESR), which means it holds charge very well. This makes them ideal for power-hungry applications by enabling them to deliver high capacitance with minimal power loss.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the simplest type of capacitor and are used in many electronics applications. They are low-cost, offer excellent performance, and are relatively easy to work with. Thanks to their versatility, they are widely used in a variety of applications, from low-frequency ac circuits to high-frequency dc circuits.