+ polarity markEpoxy coating · 106 = 10 µF, 16 VPins (+ long)

Yellow or orange teardrop body, a “+” mark and the “106” code; a striped black SMD block beside it
Teardrop type ≈ 4–6 mm; SMD case A 3.2 × 1.6 mm

Capacitors

Tantalum

In simple terms

What is this?

The small, meticulous sibling of the electrolytic; a thin bucket, it works stably.

What is it for?

Smooths the supply line on small boards; it takes little space and its value is stable.

Where do you see it?

On the boards of small portable devices.

How do you spot it?

A small drop-shaped or rectangular body; on the SMD type, the line on top marks the positive end.

Caution:

If it is fitted reversed or the voltage limit is exceeded, it can go to a short circuit and burn; it is less forgiving than an electrolytic.

Technical definition

A polarized capacitor that uses a porous anode of sintered tantalum powder and the oxide layer on it. It is smaller and more stable than an electrolytic of the same value. Under overvoltage or if connected backwards it can short and burn.

Capacitance10 µF

Voltage16 V

PolarityYes

Schematic symbol IEC and ANSI differ

IEC 60617: the drawing style used in Türkiye and Europe.

Pins 2

1Plus (+)Teardrop type: the leg marked “+”; SMD type: the striped end+

2Minus (−)Unmarked leg or terminal−

Features typical

Capacitance range: 0.1–470 µF (typical)
Voltage: 4–50 V
Tolerance: ±10% · ±20%
Voltage margin: Use at about half the rating
ESR: Low-medium
Failure mode: Short circuit, may burn
Example part: 10 µF 16 V teardrop type (code 106)

Common mistakes

Mistaking the SMD stripe for minusOn an SMD tantalum the stripe marks the plus end, while on an electrolytic it marks the minus. A tantalum fitted backwards can heat up and burn.

Leaving no voltage marginUse tantalum at about half its rated voltage: for a 5 V rail choose a type rated at least 10 V, preferably 16 V.

Using on an input exposed to inrushOn inputs fed by a source with no current limit, inrush increases the risk of a short circuit fault.

Test with a multimeter

Test whether this part is good with the multimeter on the measurement screen.

Take a measurement

Where it is used

Regulator output capacitorSupply filter on small boardsAudio coupling