Comparative analysis of product characteristics
In terms of electrical performance, film capacitors are known for their excellent frequency characteristics. Their equivalent series resistance (ESR) and equivalent series inductance (ESL) are extremely low, and they can maintain stable capacity under high-frequency conditions. In contrast, due to the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, the ESR of electrolytic capacitors is significantly higher, and it increases sharply with increasing frequency, which limits their high-frequency applications. In terms of temperature stability, the capacitance temperature coefficient of film capacitors can be controlled within ±100ppm/℃, while the capacitance of electrolytic capacitors usually changes significantly with temperature, especially in low-temperature environments. The capacitance attenuation is obvious.
Life and reliability are another important difference. Film capacitors use physical media and there is no electrochemical aging mechanism. Under rated conditions, the life span can reach more than 100,000 hours. Electrolytic capacitors are limited by electrolyte volatilization and oxide film degradation. The life span is usually several thousand to tens of thousands of hours, and polarity installation issues need to be considered. From the perspective of size efficiency, electrolytic capacitors have a volume advantage in low-frequency, high-capacitance applications due to their nanoscale dielectric thickness; while film capacitors require a larger volume to achieve the same capacity, but can provide better overall performance in high-frequency applications.