What Are Electrolytic and Ceramic Capacitors?

 

Electrolytic and ceramic capacitors are two common types of capacitors, each with distinct characteristics and applications.

 

Electrolytic Capacitors

  • Construction: Made with an electrolyte (a liquid or gel substance) as one of the electrodes, allowing for higher capacitance values.

  • Polarity: Typically polarized, meaning they have a positive and negative terminal and must be connected correctly in a circuit.

  • Capacitance Range: Usually ranges from 1µF to several thousand µF.

  • Voltage Ratings: Typically from a few volts to a few hundred volts.

  • Applications: Used in power supply filtering, energy storage, and signal coupling in audio and power circuits.

  • Types:

    • Aluminum Electrolytic – Most common, used in power applications.

    • Tantalum Electrolytic – More stable and compact but expensive.

Ceramic Capacitors

  • Construction: Uses a ceramic dielectric material with metal plates on either side.

  • Polarity: Non-polarized, so they can be connected in any direction.

  • Capacitance Range: Typically pF (picofarads) to low µF range.

  • Voltage Ratings: Can range from a few volts to several kV.

  • Applications: Used in high-frequency circuits, filtering, decoupling, and timing applications.

  • Types:

    • MLCC (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors) – Common in surface-mount applications.

    • Disc Ceramic – Used in general-purpose applications.

Key Differences

Key Differences of Electrolytic and Ceramic Capacitors

For aerospace and military applications, capacitors must meet stringent requirements for reliability, temperature tolerance, and durability under extreme conditions. Below are recommendations for both electrolytic and ceramic capacitors suitable for these environments:



1. Electrolytic Capacitors (High-Reliability Applications)

Electrolytic capacitors are often used in power supplies, filtering, and energy storage where high capacitance is required.

Recommended Types:

  • Tantalum Capacitors (Mil-Spec)

    • Example: MIL-PRF-55365-compliant solid tantalum capacitors

    • Pros: Excellent stability, low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), long lifespan.

    • Cons: Sensitive to voltage spikes, more expensive.

    • Applications: Avionics power circuits, radar systems, mission-critical electronics.

  • Hermetically Sealed Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

    • Example: MIL-PRF-39018 or MIL-PRF-49470

    • Pros: High capacitance, ruggedized for harsh conditions.

    • Cons: Larger size, lower lifespan than tantalum.

    • Applications: Military-grade power filtering, bulk energy storage in aerospace electronics.

2. Ceramic Capacitors (High-Frequency & Temperature-Stable Applications)

Ceramic capacitors are ideal for high-frequency filtering, decoupling, and RF/microwave applications due to their low loss and stability.

Recommended Types:

  • High-Reliability MLCCs (Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors)

    • Example: MIL-PRF-123 or MIL-PRF-55681 qualified MLCCs

    • Pros: Excellent stability, high reliability, wide temperature range (-55°C to +200°C).

    • Cons: Lower capacitance compared to electrolytic.

    • Applications: RF communications, missile guidance systems, avionics.

  • Radial Leaded or Stack Capacitors

    • Example: High-voltage MLCCs for radar and power systems

    • Pros: Withstands extreme conditions, radiation-hardened variants available.

    • Applications: Satellite electronics, pulse power circuits in military defense systems.

Key Selection Factors for Aerospace/Military Use:

Temperature Tolerance – Components should operate reliably in extreme environments (-55°C to +125°C or higher).
Shock & Vibration Resistance – MIL-spec capacitors should meet MIL-STD-202 testing for ruggedness.
Radiation Hardening – Essential for space applications to prevent degradation from cosmic radiation.
Low ESR/ESL – Critical for high-frequency filtering in radar, avionics, and RF applications.



Vishay offers a comprehensive range of capacitors tailored for aerospace and military applications, ensuring high reliability and performance under stringent conditions. Below are specific recommendations for both electrolytic and ceramic capacitors:

1. Electrolytic Capacitors

a. STH SuperTan® Wet Tantalum Capacitors

  • Features:

    • Enhanced performance with military H-level shock (500 g) and vibration capabilities (sine: 80g; random: 54 g).

    • Hermetic glass-to-metal seals for improved reliability.

    • Suitable for avionics and aerospace applications requiring high capacitance and energy density.

  • Applications:

    • Ideal for use in avionics, aerospace, and defense systems where robust performance is critical.

  • Additional Information:

    • These capacitors are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for mission-critical applications.

b. High-Reliability Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

  • Features:

    • Designed for military and aerospace applications with extended operational life and stability.

    • Available in various configurations, including axial and radial leaded, to accommodate different design requirements.

  • Applications:

    • Used in power supplies, energy storage, and filtering applications within military and aerospace systems.

  • Additional Information:

    • These capacitors comply with military specifications, ensuring reliability in critical operations.

2. Ceramic Capacitors

a. MIL-PRF-123 Qualified Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors

  • Features:

    • Space-level reliability with military qualification.

    • Suitable for applications requiring high performance and reliability under extreme conditions.

  • Applications:

    • Ideal for use in space systems, satellite communications, and military avionics.

  • Additional Information:

    • These capacitors are designed to meet stringent military standards, ensuring optimal performance in critical applications.

b. CDR Series (MIL-PRF-55681) Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

  • Features:

    • Compliant with MIL-PRF-55681 standards, ensuring high reliability.

    • Available in various case sizes and voltage ratings to suit diverse application needs.

  • Applications:

    • Commonly used in military communication equipment, radar systems, and aerospace controls.

  • Additional Information:

    • These capacitors offer stable performance across a wide temperature range, making them suitable for harsh environments.

Key Selection Factors:

  • Compliance with Military Standards: Ensure capacitors meet relevant MIL specifications (e.g., MIL-PRF-123, MIL-PRF-55681) for reliability.

  • Environmental Tolerance: Select capacitors capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.

  • Electrical Performance: Consider capacitance stability, equivalent series resistance (ESR), and voltage ratings appropriate for the application.

Need a trusted partner for Electrolytic or Ceramic Capacitors? Contact us today and let’s solve obsolescence together.

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