Electrolytic Capacitor With Reversed Voltage?

[noam_tz]

Hi,
I'm using ELNA RFS audio electrolytic in the signal path with zero DC bias and small AC current (~1mA). Capacitor instant voltage could be about +/-10mV.

Is it OK to use electrolytic capacitor with small revesed voltage?
Could it harm their life cycle?

For the attached figure:
Ci=10u
Ri=2.2K
Vin = 4Vpp sinewave with frequency above 1/(2*pi*Ri*Ci)

 

[VVV]

Electrolytic caps behave much like a diode when reverse-biased. The breakdown voltage is around 2V. I don't think you will have any problems using the cap in your application, since the voltage is so much lower than the breakdown voltage.

 

[nguyennam]

VVV is right.

 

[noam_tz]

Yep, but what about the capacitor life?

 

[VVV]

I think it will be close to the shelf life, since there is virtually no bias.