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Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: pomprocker on January 18, 2009, 03:56:52 AM

Title: equivalent caps?
Post by: pomprocker on January 18, 2009, 03:56:52 AM

This is a very n00b question and I wish I could delete this post after getting the answer but,

I have a schematic that calls for a 100uF 10v cap, and all I have is a 100uF 35v cap. That just means that the cap can handle up to 35volts versus 10 volts correct? with this have and adverse effects on the circuit?

Title: Re: equivalent caps?
Post by: want2learn on January 18, 2009, 04:36:02 AM

Yes the voltage rating is just how much the capacitor can handle.

In most (99.99%) cases it doesn't matter, Just never use a cap with a lower voltage rating.

The only cases where I Know it matters is when the circuit needs a low ESR cap.

Title: Re: equivalent caps?
Post by: HDL_CinC_Dragon on January 18, 2009, 04:43:40 AM

a general rule of thumb is always use a cap rated for twice the voltage you expect to ever reach it

Title: Re: equivalent caps?
Post by: Soeren on January 18, 2009, 04:39:48 PM

Hi,

Quote from: want2learn on January 18, 2009, 04:36:02 AM

The only cases where I Know it matters is when the circuit needs a low ESR cap.

If you need low ESR, a higher voltage rating is a good thing.

Title: Re: equivalent caps?
Post by: krich on January 18, 2009, 05:56:04 PM

Another downside to using a higher voltage cap when it's not necessary is the cap is usually bigger.