Different types of capacitors?

Question

I have schematic of circuit, in which various types of capacitors are used. I need to know that polarized Capacitors can be used instead of non-polarized one. I can only find a polarized one. But in schematic they have mentioned non-polarized capacitors of that value.

If you cannot understand what i mean then see this

http://sound.westhost.com/project27.htm

Check out C14 in figures1. Thats a 10uf non-polarized. But to me only polarized is available. Can I used polarized one instead of non-polarized. If i can how then i can determine the position. I mean which way back or forth.

Sorry for my bad englsih

Answer 1

No, I'd stick with non-polarized. As the other answer says, you can use two series polarized caps, and that is an OK fallback if you can't get a film cap of the correct value.

BUT, if you are going to be using the preamp only to drive the power amplifier in the same article, then you can eliminate the cap entirely as there is a smaller cap in series with the power amp input.

Personally, I'd adjust the bias on the emitter follower slightly so it's output has 0 volts DC on it and eliminate the cap.

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Answer 2

Well, theres the Flux Capacitor, though it only works if you have enough Jiggawatts.

Answer 3

No, you can not.  Notice, the transistor Q1 has its collector pulled to positive 15 v and emitter pulled to negative 15v.  The output is referenced to ground.  That means, the potential available at one side of capacitor connected to emitter will vary (just about) -14 to +14 volts against ground.

What you can do is, buy two 20uf polarized capacitor, connect them back-to-back (in series).  When you do this, you will end up with 10uf capacitor with no polarization.

Keep in mind though, anything you place in the signal path will impact the quality of the output greatly.  Keeping this in mind, I would not suggest you use the normal electrolytic capacitors (that's what you found, correct?) in its place.  My suggestion would be to stick with what the designer intended (stacked film?) and find the right one.

Answer 4

Yes you can use polarized, but you need two of them rated at 20uF, in series, back to back: ie: one forward, the other backwards.