Tantalum capacitor polarized?

Thread Starter

xnihilo

Joined Nov 20, 2008
33
Hello,

Is a tantalum capacitor polarized? If so how do I know what is the cathode and what is the anode?

Thanks!
 

Wendy

Joined Mar 24, 2008
23,415
One other thing to mention, they are not fireproof. Get it wrong and they can light up like a match head. Good parts other than that.
 

steveb

Joined Jul 3, 2008
2,436
But yet I can find no good reason of why all the manufacturers are doing so instead of marking the negative terminal like other polarised capacitors.

:D
This has always been a mystery to me too. It reminds me of all those crazy UK people driving on the wrong side of the road. ;)

Just kidding guys. I couldn't resist. Bill will you defend me when the lynch mob comes to get me? :eek:
 

KL7AJ

Joined Nov 4, 2008
2,229
I can tell you this about metal can tantalums. If you apply the polarity one direction, it's a capacitor. If you apply the polarity the other direction it's a blasting cap! (I've been "shot" by blasting caps...er...tantalum capacitors on numerous occasions. :D

Eric
 

leftyretro

Joined Nov 25, 2008
395
And the two terminals of a polarized capacitor are not named anode and cathode, just the positive and negative terminals.

Lefty
 
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