Learn the basic structure, types, and applications of aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Covers liquid and solid types including SMD, radial, screw, stacked polymer capacitors. Ideal for consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial equipment, and UPS power supplies.
Basic Structure of a Capacitor
A capacitor is a discrete component composed of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material with specific insulating properties, used to store and release electrical energy in electrostatic form.
Note: Dielectric materials include porcelain (ceramics), mica, glass, plastic films, and various metal oxides. Some liquids and gases can also serve as effective dielectric materials.
Charge Storage in a Capacitor
Structure of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor
The typical aluminum electrolytic capacitor features a wound foil structure. The anode is aluminum foil, and the dielectric is a thin oxide film of aluminum oxide AL2O3 formed electrochemically on its surface. The cathode consists of porous electrolytic paper soaked with a working electrolyte.
Types of Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are divided into two categories: liquid and solid. Liquid includes: liquid guide pins, patches, guide foils, screws, etc.; solid includes: hybrid, solid polymer, aluminum laminate, etc.
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Category |
Small Capacitors |
Large Capacitors |
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Radial Lead Type
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Liquid SMD Type
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Hybrid Polymer Type
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Solid Polymer Type
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Aluminum Stacked Type
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Axial Lead Type
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Screw Terminal Type
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Size range |
Diameter: 3~20mm |
Diameter: 4~18mm |
Diameter: 3~10mm |
Diameter: 4~10mm |
7.3*4.3 |
Diameter: 22~45mm |
Diameter: 51~100mm |
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Height: 5~65mm |
Height: 4.5~21.5mm |
Height: 4.2~26mm |
Height: 4.2~26mm |
1.9mm |
Height: 20~100mm |
Height: 50~250mm |
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Main applications |
Consumer electronics low-power power supply |
Consumer network card/motherboard Automotive electronics |
Automotive electronics Detonator |
Computer motherboard High-end network card |
CPU power supply |
Industrial power supply Commercial inverter Major appliances |
Industrial frequency conversion High-power UPS Industrial and mining equipment |
Radial Lead Type Structure Diagram
SMD Type Structure Diagram
Snap-In Type Structure Diagram
Screw Terminal Type Structure Diagram
Solid Polymer Type Structure Diagram
Aluminum Stacked Type Structure Diagram
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