
AN-15
A
6/96
8
I
(
)
Frequency (Hz)
100
100
500
10
0.1
0.01
1
1K
10K
100K
1M
10M
40M
RADIAL 22
μ
F 10x20
RADIAL 47
μ
F 12x25
AXIAL 33
μ
F 12x25
P
Figure 10.  200V  Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Impedance.
the differential mode portion of the EMI filter.  X-capacitors are
divided into three subclasses:
I
(
)
Frequency (Hz)
100
100
500
10
1
0.1
0.01
1K
10K
1M
10M
40M
AXIAL 33
μ
F 16x40
RADIAL 10
μ
F 12x20
RADIAL 100
μ
F 22x35
P
Figure 11.  400V  Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Impedance.
Figures 10 and 11 show impedance of various 200V and 400V
aluminum electrolytic capacitors with radial leads (both leads
exiting one side of the capacitor can) compared with impedance
of a similar capacitor with axial leads (one lead exiting each side
of the capacitor can).  Approximate dimensions are also shown
(diameter by length in mm).  Radial capacitors have an impedance
characteristic that stays low up to 10 MHz while the axial
capacitors become inductive at frequencies as low as 1 MHz.
Radial capacitors should always be used and installed on end to
minimize lead length and ESL.  Axial leaded capacitors should
never be used because the longer total lead length (equal to at
least  one can diameter) increases ESL which increases
impedance.  Note that above 1 MHz, the large axial capacitors
actually have much higher impedance (and will generate higher
conducted emission currents) than the smaller radial capacitors.
EMI Filter Capacitors
Capacitors used in EMI filters are identified by various
companies as radio interference suppressors, suppression
capacitors, or safety recognized capacitors.  These capacitors
must meet the European requirement EN 132400 for safety
which defines two groups, X and Y
(12) (13)
.
X-capacitors are used only in positions where capacitor failure
does not expose anybody to an electric shock hazard.  X-
capacitors are usually connected across the AC mains as part of
Subclass  Peak Pulse  IEC-664
   Voltage
   In Service
 Application  Peak Impulse
Installation
Category                        applied before
 Voltage V
 Endurance Test
   X1
   > 2.5 kV            III         
High Pulse
  C < 1.0 uF
   < 4.0 kV
           Application  U
P
 = 4 kV
   X2
   < 2.5 kV             II           General   C < 1.0 uF
              Purpose   U
P
 = 2.5 kV
   X3
   < 1.2 kV             -            General       None
              Purpose
Table 3. X-Capacitor Subclass.
X2-capacitors are most commonly used in 
TOPSwitch
 power
supply EMI filters for differential mode suppression.  X1-
capacitors can also be used but cost is higher.  X3- capacitors are
not normally used.
I
(
)
Frequency (Hz)
100
100K
100
10
10K
1K
1
0.01
0.1
1K
10K
100K
1M
10M
40M
0.033
μ
F
0.047
μ
F
μ
F
0.1
μ
F
0.47
μ
F
0.033
μ
F
(LONG LEADS)
P
Figure 12. X2-Capacitor Impedance.
X2-capacitors are available from a variety of vendors including
Murata, Roederstein, Panasonic, Rifa, and Siemens.  Figure 12
shows impedance plots for various sizes of X2-capacitors with
short leads and one plot for a small X2-capacitor with long
leads.  Short leads should always be used to minimize impedance
and reduce high frequency conducted emission currents.
Y-capacitors are used where capacitor failure could expose
somebody to an electric shock hazard.  Y-capacitors are usually
connected from the AC mains or bridge rectifier output to
SELV secondaries, chassis, shields, or earth ground.  The
maximum Y-capacitor value is restricted because each
application has an allowable maximum leakage current (which
can range from 0.25 mA to 3.5 mA, depending on the AC mains
connection).  There are four EN 132400 specified subclasses of
Y-capacitors: