Difference between NP and BP Elect. Capacotors ?

[fab]

Hi, Can you tell me what's the difference between Non-polarised and Bi-polarised electrolytic capacitors ?
Tia
Fab

[niftydog]

aside from one being polarised while the other is not?!!

Polarized electrolytic caps have a aluminium oxide layer on one of the plates, this is destroyed fairly quickly by reverse polarity voltages. Bipolar caps are made with two anodes instead of an anode and a cathode.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

True, but if the question is: what is the diff between a non-polar electro & a bi-polar cap?
then the answer is, they are exactly the same.

[niftydog]

ah, my bad, I didn't read the question correctly! Yes, the difference is in name only.

BTW, anyone reading this thread might be interested in this detailed electrolytic capacitor appliation note.

[fab]

Ok, thank you for the reply. I was in trouble because Mouser has two different section for the Xicon elect Cap (NP and BP). Now I know I can substitute one by the other.