Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

LKSA2123MESC application field and working principle

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) are widely used components in electronic devices. They are characterized by having electrolyte between the two electrodes, and are relatively simple to use in the design of electronic circuits. The LKSA2123MESC is a popular type of aluminum electrolytic capacitor used in a range of electrical applications.

Fields of Application

The LKSA2123MESC is rated at 6.3V and is designed for use in a broad range of filtration and power line noise applications. It is well-suited to power supply and filtering circuits as a low-cost solution for transforming AC into DC. The capacitors also feature a wide temperature range of -40°C to +105°C so can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.

Working Principle

An AEC works very similarly to a normal capacitor except that it contains an electrolyte between its electrodes. This electrolyte is an electrically conductive liquid or an electrical conducting solid that is ionized by the applied voltage. The electrolyte acts as a source of ions allowing charge carriers to move through it. The amount of current flow is controlled by the applied voltage.

The basic principle behind an aluminum electrolytic capacitor is that an electric field is produced across the two plates by the voltage. The electric field causes an ion exchange between the two plates, creating a current flow through the electrolytic. This current flow is what is responsible for the capacitor\'s ability to store energy.

The two leads of the AEC are Aluminium and cathode. The Aluminium lead provides the majority of the voltage potential, while the cathode provides a small amount of voltage. This arrangement gives the capacitor the ability to store energy which is discharged when the capacitor reaches the same voltage as the source.

Conclusion

The LKSA2123MESC aluminum electrolytic capacitor is a versatile component for DC power supply and low-noise filtering circuits. Its wide operating temperature range and low cost make it an attractive option. A basic understanding of how the capacitor works can help designers to effectively employ AECs in their electronic designs.