Replace polarized caps with non-polarized?

[anyuser00]

Would this be possible?  What about replaceing polarized caps with non-polarized in large voltage power supply circuits?

[Peter Snowberg]

Absolutely.

The polarization is a restriction so you can use parts without that restriction in the same place and everything will work the same.

To get really subtle, non-polarized electrolytics are really just two double-sized eletrolytics in the same package. A polarized 1uF cap and two 2uF caps in series with one of the polarities revered will yield the same results but without the polarity requirement. In some applications the lower ESR of the non-polarized will be preferred, while the higher ESL may not be. In 99.5% of cases (esp. in power supplies) you can go either way and nobody could ever tell.

Take care,
-Peter

[anyuser00]

Thanks alot Peter