What is an electrolytic capacitor?
Non-polarized electrolytic capacitors have foils with surfaces that are roughened by a special etching process, enlarging the surface. This enables it to have a much higher capacitance than other more straight-forward types. The electrolytic capacitors offered by SoundImports are all non-polarised and are available with values from 1 to 4700 uF. The non-polarized electrolytic capacitors offered by SoundImports handle high working voltage from up to 100V. They are useful in places where a high ripple current is needed, such as power supplies. As the capacity of capacitors is proportional to their surface, this process provides the smallest and cheapest type of capacitors. However, this process also weakens the sound quality comparing to non-etched versions. Overall, an electrolytic capacitor is a good type of capacitor. They are perfect for using it in a crossover and ideal for a low-budget project! However, if you are looking for higher quality, feel free to check out our film/foil capacitors!
Here at SoundImports, you can buy non-polarized electrolytic capacitors from Jantzen Audio and Mundorf!
What do capacitors do?
In most electrical circuits, capacitors are almost unavoidable, and their number varies from project to project. A capacitor is an electrical component where the electrical charge can be saved on one side (+), while the opposite charge can be saved on the other side at the same time (-). In audio applications, they are primarily used in crossover filters, where the combination of other components determines the filter action. However, if you want to learn more about capacitors, please check out our detailed blog, "The basics of crossover components"! The blog also explains what you have to look for when choosing a capacitor!
Is there a difference between capacitors and a battery?
The critical distinction between a capacitor and a battery is that it is possible to charge and discharge a capacitor within a fraction of a battery's time. However, their energy density is the price a capacitor needs to pay for this benefit; a battery will hold a considerably greater energy volume in the same space/size as a capacitor. In other terms, if a battery and a capacitor were to be the same size, only a fraction of the energy a battery could store could be stored by a capacitor.
What is the difference between an electrolytic capacitor and a film/foil capacitor?
The main distinction between an electrolytic capacitor and a film/foil capacitor can be traced back to the type and construction of the dielectric used. Although the active component of electrolytic capacitors comprises aluminium (anode and cathode foil), paper, and electrolyte, the film/foil capacitor is constructed of metal-coated plastic film that forms the electrodes. Active electrolytic aluminium capacitors have an energy density up to ten times greater than polypropylene film capacitors. The non-polarized electrolytic capacitors here at SoundImports are the best low-cost solutions for use in passive speaker crossovers!
