Disclaimer: I'm new to electronics as (Arduino hobbyist)

Is it safe to use standard polarized electrolytic caps in a charge pump?

I've searched but can't find anything to indicate it's a problem. Is there something special about the operation of a charge pump that allows for current to be alternated between the +/- pins (which I interpret as a polarity reversal) without causing problems? Or is it just assumed that a designer would only use a non-polarized cap like a ceramic?

Thanks in advance!

 

In the 7660-type charge pump, it is completely OK.

 

It would depend on the charge pump. Some are perfectly safe to use polarised caps others aren't. If you are unsure try and get some unpolarised electrolytics.

 

I should clarify that I'm not using any ICs for the charge pump; 2 caps, 2 diodes and 2 pins on my Arduino to alternate the current between +/- at 1Khz. The breadboard works fine with any type of cap but the larger capacity electrolytics can source more current so they would be my preference. However, I don't want to deal with swollen / exploding caps down the line...

 

Well, if you can work with a simulator it should be able to tell you if the polarity changes on the caps during circuit operation.