Firstly, in order to correctly choose capacitors for low voltage applications, you must take into consideration the following variables:the ambient temperature;the expected over-current related to voltage disturbances, including the maximum sustained over-voltage;the requested life expectancy;the maximum number of switchings during the year;the level of harmonics in the network.
How to choose a capacitor?
A capacitor with an appropriate ripple current and working voltage rating should be chosen. Polarity and Reverse Voltage – If an electrolyte capacitor is used in the circuit, it must be connected in the correct direction. Its reverse voltage rating should be at least twice the possible reverse voltage in that branch of the circuit.
Which capacitor should be used in a pulsating circuit?
The circuit must be manipulated for pulsating voltages and maximum ripple current. A capacitor with an appropriate ripple current and working voltage rating should be chosen. Polarity and Reverse Voltage – If an electrolyte capacitor is used in the circuit, it must be connected in the correct direction.
How to select input capacitors?
The first objective in selecting input capacitors is to reduce the ripple voltage amplitude seen at the input of the module. This reduces the rms ripple current to a level which can be handled by bulk capacitors. Ceramic capacitors placed right at the input of the regulator reduce ripple voltage amplitude.
Can a capacitor be installed in series?
Though there are few cases to install a capacitor in series. In my designs, I am not allowing to a voltage stress of more than 75%. This means, if the actual circuit voltage is 10V, the minimum capacitor voltage I will select is 13.33V (10V/0.75). However, there is no such voltage. So, I will go to the next higher level that is 16V.
Apart from nominal capacitance, the voltage rating is the second most important parameter that must be essentially factored in. The capacitor's voltage rating should always be at least 1.5 times or twice the maximum voltage it may encounter in the circuit. Capacitors are not as reliable as resistors.
This means, if the actual circuit voltage is 10V, the minimum capacitor voltage I will select is 13.33V (10V/0.75). However, there is no such voltage. So, I will go to the next higher level that is 16V. Can you use 20V, 25V or even higher? The answer is yes. It depends to your budget because the higher the voltage, the expensive the capacitor is.