I ordered some caps, to build the Simple Negative Voltage Converter as shown in the ICL7660A data sheet (same basic circuit in most any 7660 data sheet). It calls for two 10uf caps (polarized electrolytic) for the charge pump.
In ordering the caps, I was more focused on the ESR, voltage, and uF, and totally blitzed out to other specs (that now I am waking up to). What I ordered was a 1210 MLCC 10uF 16V X5R ceramic cap (Samsung). The datasheet shows an ESR of about 0.03 ohms at 10 kHz.
But now it dawns on me that these are not polarized. In researching this, I noted several threads talking about MLCC caps, and how they present quite different capacitance values depending on the DC bias voltage. The Vcc for the 7660 will be +5V, so that I can generate a -5V rail. Current draw will be negligible, likely less than 5 mA.
Will these caps work, or do I need to go back and get real polarized electrolytic type ?