Capacitors have several main parameters that define their performance and applications. These include nominal capacitance, rated voltage, insulation resistance, loss, and frequency characteristics.
What is a capacitor used for?
A capacitor is one of the basic circuit components in electrical and electronic circuits. Capacitors are used to store energy in the form of an electrostatic field. Capacitors are available in several different types and sizes. Each type of capacitor has its unique characteristics and specifications that impact its performance.
The characteristics of capacitors are frequency-dependent. At low frequencies, they function as expected, however, the performance of capacitors changes at higher frequencies because of factors like equivalent series resistance (ESR) and equivalent series inductance (ESL.
What is a basic capacitor?
Basic capacitors, formerly known as condensers, consist of two parallel plates - one positive and one negative - separated by a dielectric (nonconducting) material. The plates may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical, resulting in several possible designs and form factors.
How to choose a capacitor?
When selecting a capacitor, it is important to consider the dielectric material used. Various dielectric material groups feature different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Though it is not mentioned in this table, air is sometimes used as a dielectric in high voltage applications. Dielectric characteristics.
What is the capacitance of a capacitor?
The capacitance of a capacitor can change value with the circuit frequency (Hz) y with the ambient temperature. Smaller ceramic capacitors can have a nominal value as low as one pico-Farad, ( 1pF ) while larger electrolytic's can have a nominal capacitance value of up to one Farad, ( 1F ).
The Working Voltage is another important capacitor characteristic that defines the maximum continuous voltage either DC or AC that can be applied to the capacitor without failure during its working life. Generally, the working voltage printed onto the side of a capacitors body refers to its DC working voltage, (WVDC).