Electrolytic capacitor is the generic term for three different capacitor family members: 1. * Aluminum electrolytic capacitors, 2. * Tantalum electrolytic capacitors and 3. * Niobium electrolytic capacitors All electrolytic capacitors (e-caps) are polarized capacitors whose anode (+) is made of a particular metal on which an insulating oxide layer forms by anodization, acting as the dielectric of the electrolytic capacitor. A non-solid or solid electrolyte which covers the surface of the oxide layer in principle serves as the second electrode (cathode) (-) of the capacitor.