MAL214097802E3

Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, also known as electrolytic capacitors, electrochemical capacitors, or electrochemical double-layer capacitors, are polarized capacitors consisting of a metal anode with oxide layer and porous insulating cathode. They are the most commonly used capacitors in electronic devices, thanks to their high capacity, small size and low cost. The MAL214097802E3 capacitor is a type of aluminum electrolytic capacitor.

Application Field

The MAL214097802E3 capacitor is applicable to a wide variety of projects, such as computer hardware and audio applications. It has a rated capacitance of 2.2µF, a rated voltage of 10V and an ESR of 16mΩ. It is useful in applications that require a wide range of temperature and stable performance.

Working Principle

The aluminum electrolyte capacitor, as the name suggests, works by the action of an electrolyte and aluminum. Effectively, this means that upon supplying a voltage to the capacitor, an electronic current charge much like those of dynamic RAM, is generated. This current, when correctly regulated, is used to store energy within the capacitor. This same process occurs when the capacitor is discharged. The reaction is called ‘Faraday’s law of electrolysis,’ and it has been the basis of most of the capacitor technology even today.

The electrolyte used in such a capacitor is a thin alkaline or acidic solution of sulfuric acid or boric acid, depending on the type of electrolyte used. This acts as the catalyst that generates the Charge on the positive and negative terminals of the capacitor. The cathode is covered with an insulating layer, through which the electrons generated by the electrolyte are not able to pass, thus ensuring the flow of current depends solely on the external voltage.

The electrolyte also provides the necessary wetting mechanism that prevents the charging component from overheating and shorting out. This is essential as the insulating layers of the capacitor are opaque and do not allow for the passing of light which a standard resistor would use as its cooling agent.