Polymer electrolytic capacitors

Polymer electrolytic capacitors use a solid, conductive polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte solution, as found in classic aluminum electrolytic capacitors. This difference has several advantages: A significantly lower equivalent series resistance (ESR), a higher current carrying capacity and better temperature stability. This reduces losses and makes the component more durable.

In addition, the electrolyte does not dry out, meaning that these capacitors remain stable for many years. Their properties make them ideal for high-frequency and high-current applications, such as in switching power supplies or 5G infrastructures. However, they are generally more expensive than classic electrolytic capacitors and have a lower maximum dielectric strength. Nevertheless, many companies rely on polymer technology to ensure higher efficiency and reliability - especially in areas such as automotive and telecommunications technology or in high-performance computers.

Thanks to their solid electrolyte, polymer electrolytic capacitors have an extremely low equivalent series resistance (ESR), which has a direct impact on frequency stability. In high-frequency applications, such as DC/DC converters, high-speed circuits or 5G base stations, a low ESR ensures minimized signal distortion and higher efficiency.

They also respond more quickly to load changes and offer a more stable power supply. Another advantage is their low self-inductance, which makes them particularly suitable for fast switching processes in power electronics. Conventional electrolytic capacitors can lead to power losses and unwanted signal interference due to their higher ESR. Polymer capacitors, on the other hand, work more efficiently, improve the energy efficiency of the system and reduce heat generation.

They are therefore indispensable in modern high-performance applications - especially in industrial electronics, telecommunications and automotive technology.

In the automotive industry, polymer electrolytic capacitors play a central role in control units, power electronics and infotainment systems. Especially in modern vehicles with electric drives or assistance systems, they are installed in DC/DC converters, battery management systems and power electronics modules. Their low ESR and high temperature resistance make them ideal for use in electronic control units (ECUs) that need to work precisely and without interference.

They also ensure reliable voltage stabilization in ADAS systems (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), such as adaptive cruise control or emergency brake assistants. As they are particularly heat-resistant, they can also be used in engine and high-performance components. With the growing demand for electric vehicles and the increasing connectivity of vehicles, the importance of high-performance capacitors is also increasing - polymer technology is the preferred choice here.

Switch-mode power supplies operate at high frequencies and require capacitors with low impedance and high current carrying capacity. Polymer electrolytic capacitors are the ideal choice here as they have a low ESR value, which results in fewer losses.

This leads to higher efficiency and lower heat generation. They also offer a long service life, which is particularly advantageous in mission-critical applications where failures must be avoided. They are suitable for use in high-performance servers, telecommunications networks, industrial electronics and energy-efficient power supply units.

Their solid electrolyte also prevents typical problems such as drying out or leakage currents that can occur with conventional electrolytic capacitors. They therefore make a decisive contribution to the longevity and efficiency of switching power supplies and improve the overall performance of the system - especially in power electronics and high-frequency technology.