Max232 IC and 1uF Capacitor: Do They Need to Be Polarized?

[hisham.i]

Hello...
I did a circuit for sending serial data to the computer, so i used max232 ic.
I used 1uf non polarized capacitor for the max232, but i figured out that in the datasheet they are polarized capacitors.
Do i have to change the capacitors or they will work fine?.. anyone has explanation on the role of these capacitors?

 

[schip666!]

Usually non-polarized caps are more expensive. You need them where the polarity of the voltage on both ends of the cap can reverse, since polarized caps may not work well, or worst case look like a short and blow up, in those conditions. 1uf is the usual "cutoff" point for non-polar caps, anything larger is easier to make polarized. But most likely it doesn't matter if you're not trying to save money.

 

[Mike_In_Plano]

The max232 never struck me as a picky part. I've used electrolytics and ceramics with it. If you're just building for fun, I'd just pull whatever's handy. For production, I suspect you need to be more careful. Especially concerning noise getting on the 232 lines.

 

[Antiphon]

You can always use an unpolarized cap where a polarized one was called for. Just don't exceed the voltage ratings and all will be well.