Bipolar/unpolarized electrolytic caps

[almondcity]

Is there any point to using these instead of polarized caps? (other than the obvious benefit of not putting one in backwards)

 

[Bio77]

They are required in some circuits. An electrolytic cap needs to be oriented so it has some potential across it or it doesn't work. If you don't have a potential in your circuit but need a 10uF cap, it's got to be a NP. I wouldn't use them if they are not specifically called for in the build docs.

 

[Feral Feline]

If you get into the real nitty-gritty, even non-polarised caps/film caps/etc have a way they "like" to be oriented, putting them the way they like can reduce the overall noise of the circuit. Maybe. YMMV.

 

[Diynot]

So how much does it matter if it’s an input cap? The MB Minimu calls for a bipolar 10uf at the input, but I ended up using a tant for size sake. Everything works wonderfully, but now I’m questioning if it could be…..better?