SMD Cap Polarity, How to Tell?

DreadPirate · 9th February 2007, 12:59 PM

Are there typically markings on part or board? If the cap is an input cap on an amp (Sonic Impact T-Amp, latest version), can you tell by what the leads go to?

Hornlover · 9th February 2007, 05:31 PM

A polorized surface mount cap should have a line going across the body at the positive end. A few will have a +. The line will probably be silver or white in color. The PC board, if properly designed, should have some type of marking noting the positive end. I use a + on my boards, but I have seen many variations, done by others. If the cap is a ceramic or other type of non-polorized device, then no markings will exist, since the cap is...well...non-polorized.

unclejed613 · 10th February 2007, 06:26 AM

the yellow epoxy ones use a brown line across the positive end. black epoxy uses white or silver printing of a line across the positive end. the only time you can tell the correct polarity from where they connect to, is when one end goes to a power supply rail or other DC voltage

DreadPirate · 10th February 2007, 12:24 PM

The one in question must be non-polar, reads the same in both directions and doesn't have any kind of stripe or marking.

9th February 2007, 12:59 PM	#1
DreadPirate diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern Virginia, USA	SMD Cap Polarity, How to Tell? Are there typically markings on part or board? If the cap is an input cap on an amp (Sonic Impact T-Amp, latest version), can you tell by what the leads go to?

10th February 2007, 06:26 AM	#3
unclejed613 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2006	the yellow epoxy ones use a brown line across the positive end. black epoxy uses white or silver printing of a line across the positive end. the only time you can tell the correct polarity from where they connect to, is when one end goes to a power supply rail or other DC voltage __________________ Vintage Audio and Pro-Audio repair ampz(removethis)@sohonet.net spammer trap: spammers must die

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ess AMT polarity? Help	promitheus	Planars & Exotics	1	13th July 2007 09:52 PM
Hi-Vi B3N polarity	Gollum	Multi-Way	5	5th July 2007 05:58 PM
GE 97F cap polarity ???	maynardg	Tubes / Valves	0	3rd February 2007 09:20 PM
Polarity on OB sub	icebear	Subwoofers	3	29th April 2005 08:24 AM
LED polarity	guitargully	Solid State	4	12th January 2004 04:14 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

9th February 2007, 05:31 PM	#2
Hornlover diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central California	A polorized surface mount cap should have a line going across the body at the positive end. A few will have a +. The line will probably be silver or white in color. The PC board, if properly designed, should have some type of marking noting the positive end. I use a + on my boards, but I have seen many variations, done by others. If the cap is a ceramic or other type of non-polorized device, then no markings will exist, since the cap is...well...non-polorized.

10th February 2007, 12:24 PM	#4
DreadPirate diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern Virginia, USA	The one in question must be non-polar, reads the same in both directions and doesn't have any kind of stripe or marking.