capacitors across a 12v line query

[syntax_x]

Hi all,
I'm sought of new to this world of components and have a small question about caps.

Ive been building a circuit that has 2 caps in it, 1 connecting pos to ground at the start of the circuit and 1 at the other end.
I was recommended to use either a 330uf 25v cap or a 10uf cap. The 330's i found were the black electrolytic type, and the 10's were a small yellow one( i think it may be a tag tantalum).

I wanted to know what the purpose of these caps are, i figured they were a filter or maybe used as protection. Should i used the smaller 10uf ones? or do they work different to the electrolytic type?

I can provide pictures if i haven't explained myself clearly enough

 

[amberwolf]

You'd have to provide the full schematic and an explanation of what the circuit is for before I could tell you why the caps are there and whether those are the right kinds to use.

 

[syntax_x]

Here is the circuit.

 

[yopappamon]

I wanted to know what the purpose of these caps are, i figured they were a filter or maybe used as protection. Should i used the smaller 10uf ones? or do they work different to the electrolytic type?

Looks like you have a power supply circuit. Capacitors are used to filter noise and filter (or smooth) rectifier ripple from the power supply bridge diodes. They can also prevent short term voltage sag from high loads. I would stay with the electrolytic type for this.

 

[amberwolf]

I was recommended to use either a 330uf 25v cap or a 10uf cap. The 330's i found were the black electrolytic type, and the 10's were a small yellow one( i think it may be a tag tantalum).

If you're referring to C2 and C3, then both of those should be the electrolytic types. Basically as said above, both will help smooth out voltage ripple so the final output 12VDC stays as smooth and unvarying as possible.

C1 appears that it should also be electrolytic, but it is being used as part of an R/C filter or "timer" rather than a ripple smoother.

 

[syntax_x]

Thanks for the help guys. Yeah C1 is part of a temporary voltage boost. I have been using the electrolytic one with no probs, Just thought i could save some space with the tantalum type.

Ive only ever used caps before for video filters so this was sough-ta new to me.

Thanks for letting me pick your brains!