NP Capacitor

[glias]

Hello all,
I wondering if a NP capacitor is just tow caps in series ... ? can I make my own NP cap with two polarized cap like this ? Does the cap could be considered as a shunt when it is reverse biased ?

---+||----||+----

[Original Burnedfingers]

I could be wrong but I don't believe a NP cap has two caps internal inside it.

You can make a non-polar cap the way you drew it or you can make one with the +'s in the center and the -'s on each end. Remember what happens with the value of the cap when they are in series.

Two caps in parallel say 10mfd paralled with another 10mfd will result in 20mfd. Two caps in series of say 20mfd and 20mfd will yeald 10 mfd if memory is correct.

[DF96]

No, a non-polarised electrolytic is not two caps in series. It uses two identical aluminium films, instead of an anode film and a cathode film like a normal electrolytic. I'm sure google will tell you which type of film is used - I can't remember.

If you are desperate then you can make a poor mimic of an NP by using two electrolytics in series with diodes across them to ensure no reverse bias. However, it won't work as well and it won't last as long as a real NP.

[Harlan]

Originally Posted by DF96

No, a non-polarised electrolytic is not two caps in series. It uses two identical aluminium films, instead of an anode film and a cathode film like a normal electrolytic. I'm sure google will tell you which type of film is used - I can't remember.

If you are desperate then you can make a poor mimic of an NP by using two electrolytics in series with diodes across them to ensure no reverse bias. However, it won't work as well and it won't last as long as a real NP.

Or sound as good Either.
DF 96 is correct, a true non-polar is designed as such, specific for the application.
Remember you have to listen to it.
Good luck... Tim