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I've seen the low-end IC audio amp datasheets recommending a simple (polarized) electrolytic on signal input, even for a split supply circuit that doesn't DC-bias the input. For example the datasheet of TDA2030 does that.

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I've actually built that circuit out of curiosity if the capacitor C1's anode might get (significantly) DC biased by the opamp input, but I've measured a rather insignificant 1.7mV in my circuit at C1's cathode. Looking at the datasheet, the max input current for this IC is 2uA, so going through 22kOhm would max at 4.4mV. So neither theoretically nor in practice is it enough to ensure that the electrolytic capacitor is always biased the right way on sound/AC signals. My guess is it doesn't matter because the AC swings of the typical audio line are below the 1.5V reverse voltage usually needed to make electrolytics blow up fast enough to be entertaining/detectable. Am I correct or is there something else going on?

I've also connected C1 the "wrong way around" (on purpose, as a 2nd experiment) in this circuit, to see if anything bad might happen, and... nothing.

I've even put on it the max AC signal my sound card can dish (which exceeds my phone etc.), at a respectable 1.7V RMS, which is way more than what's needed to make the TDA2030 output clip like crazy, because it has high input sensitivity. Still nothing measurable/observable happened to the input cap.

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    \$\begingroup\$ See : this question. There is likely a DC bias assumed on the input, even if you don't add it in the circuit \$\endgroup\$
    – crasic
    Sep 3, 2015 at 0:48
  • \$\begingroup\$ @crasic: Well, after reading the answers there, my only conclusion is that is a well-abused trick in the low-end audio market, to the extent that ST had no qualms putting it in a datasheet. \$\endgroup\$
    – Fizz
    Sep 3, 2015 at 0:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ I believe from talking to people who have dealt with this that low end audio products tend to have DC biases on their output, but I haven't seen enough devices to give you my view on it \$\endgroup\$
    – crasic
    Sep 3, 2015 at 0:58

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Although it is desirable to bias electrolytic capacitors with a DC voltage they will work without problem with zero bias. The aluminum oxide layer that acts as the dielectric is created during manufacture and is fairly robust and long lasting.

They will even survive a short amount of low level reverse bias although it is not recommended.

Electrolytic capacitors can blow up if reverse voltage is applied or excessive bias in the correct polarity but in general that will only happen if there is enough current to cause significant power dissipation such that the device heats up significantly.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ "they will work ... with zero bias." Provided the applied AC voltage is a small percentage of their voltage rating and the applied current is very small. I've heard, up to 30% (reference required) of rated voltage, but would suggest 10% as a fairly safe value. \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Sep 3, 2015 at 10:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ I found a bit more relevant info in another thread: electronics.stackexchange.com/a/161551/54580 Apparently off-the-shelf RLC meters use 0.5V as safe voltage for testing capacitors. \$\endgroup\$
    – Fizz
    Sep 4, 2015 at 17:20

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