Mallory CGS542T200X5L Capacitor

The Mallory CGS542T200X5L capacitor is part of the Mallory series of aluminum electrolytic capacitors, commonly used in electronic circuits where stable capacitance and reliability are required. Based on the part number and typical Mallory capacitor types, here’s a breakdown of the key features and specifications for this model:

Key Features and Specifications:

1. Capacitance:

   • The capacitor has a capacitance of 200µF (microfarads). This value indicates the amount of charge the capacitor can store, and it’s often used in power supply filtering, smoothing applications, and timing circuits.

2. Voltage Rating:

   • The voltage rating is typically 200V. This means the capacitor is designed to handle up to 200 volts across its terminals without breaking down or failing.

3. Capacitor Type:

   • Electrolytic Capacitor: The “T” in the part number usually refers to an electrolytic capacitor, which uses an electrolyte to form a dielectric and has high capacitance per unit volume. These are commonly used in power supply circuits, audio equipment, and other places where large capacitance values are needed in a relatively small package.

4. Tolerance:

   • ±20% Tolerance: This indicates that the actual capacitance value could vary by up to 20% above or below the nominal value (200µF). This is typical for electrolytic capacitors, where precision isn’t always the primary concern.

5. Temperature Range:

   • -40°C to +85°C: The operating temperature range is from -40°C to 85°C. This makes the capacitor suitable for general industrial and consumer electronics applications.

6. Packaging:

   • The capacitor comes in a radial leaded configuration, meaning the leads come out from one end of the cylindrical body. This is typical for through-hole mounting on a circuit board.
   • The part you’re referencing is for a lot of 6, which means you’re getting 6 capacitors in the package.

7. Application:

   • Power Supplies: Common in power supply filtering applications to smooth out voltage and reduce ripple.
   • Audio Equipment: Used for filtering in audio circuits where stability and performance are critical.
   • General Electronics: Also found in various general-purpose electronic circuits where larger capacitance values are needed.

General Considerations:

• Electrolytic Capacitors tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to ceramic or film capacitors, especially when exposed to high temperatures or excessive ripple currents.
• Polarity: Electrolytic capacitors are polarized, so it’s essential to connect them correctly in the circuit (positive to the positive voltage, negative to the negative voltage) to prevent failure.