What Is the Difference Between Axial And Radial Lead Capacitors?

Apr. 28, 2023

Capacitors are passive electronic components used to store and release electrical energy. They come in various types and configurations, depending on their intended application and performance requirements. One way to categorize capacitors is by their lead configuration, which refers to the orientation of the two metallic terminals that allow the capacitor to be connected to a circuit.

Axial and radial lead capacitors are two common types of capacitors that differ in their lead orientation. In this article, we will explain the differences between axial and radial lead capacitors, including their construction, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Radial Lead Capacitor

Axial Lead Capacitors

An axial lead capacitor is a type of capacitor in which the two metallic terminals are aligned along the same axis, typically in a cylindrical or tubular shape. The leads are usually made of tinned or silver-plated copper wire and protrude from each end of the capacitor body. The capacitor dielectric is usually made of ceramic, polyester, polypropylene, or other materials, and the electrodes are usually made of metal foil or film.

Axial lead capacitors are commonly used in electronic circuits for filtering, decoupling, timing, and other purposes. They are relatively small in size and can be easily mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) or soldered onto wires or terminals. Some of the advantages of axial lead capacitors include:

Low inductance: The axial lead configuration results in a lower inductance compared to other types of capacitors, which is beneficial for high-frequency applications.
High reliability: Axial lead capacitors have a robust construction and can withstand high temperatures, shock, and vibration, making them suitable for harsh environments.
High capacitance values: Axial lead capacitors can be made with high capacitance values, up to several thousand microfarads, making them suitable for energy storage applications.

Some of the disadvantages of axial lead capacitors include:

Limited voltage rating: Axial lead capacitors have a limited voltage rating, typically up to a few hundred volts, which restricts their use in high-voltage circuits.
Limited temperature range: Axial lead capacitors have a limited temperature range, typically up to 125°C, which may not be sufficient for some industrial or automotive applications.
Polarization: Some axial lead capacitors are polarized, meaning that they have a positive and a negative terminal that must be connected correctly to the circuit. This may require additional circuitry or labeling to avoid incorrect connections.

Radial Lead Capacitors

A radial lead capacitor is a type of capacitor in which the two metallic terminals are oriented perpendicular to the capacitor body, typically in a disc or cylindrical shape. The leads are usually made of tinned or silver-plated copper wire and are located at opposite sides of the capacitor body. The capacitor dielectric and electrodes are similar to those used in axial lead capacitors.

Radial lead capacitors are also commonly used in electronic circuits for filtering, decoupling, timing, and other purposes. They are slightly larger in size than axial lead capacitors and can be easily mounted on a PCB or soldered onto wires or terminals. Some of the advantages of radial lead capacitors include:

High voltage rating: Radial lead capacitors can have a higher voltage rating than axial lead capacitors, typically up to several thousand volts, making them suitable for high-voltage circuits.
Wide temperature range: Radial lead capacitors can operate over a wide temperature range, typically up to 150°C or higher, making them suitable for industrial or automotive applications.
Non-polarized: Most radial lead capacitors are non-polarized, meaning that they can be connected to the circuit in any direction, simplifying their use and reducing the risk of incorrect connections.

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