The main types of capacitors are fixed capacitors, variable capacitors, polarized capacitors, and non-polarized capacitors. Below we expound more about capacitors.
What is a capacitor? A capacitor is a miniature electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy in the form of electric fields.
Consisting of two leads, (+ and -) a capacitor consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material known as a dielectric.
In addition to the above, capacitors have various uses with the common ones being – timing, signal filtering, and energy storage.
Join me below as I expound more on all the types of capacitors. By the end of this article, you’ll have learned everything you need to know about capacitors.
You will learn about the characteristics of capacitors, the functions and applications of capacitors, and the types of capacitors as well.
Characteristics of Capacitors
Like any other electronic components, capacitors do have some characteristics. Below we expound on them.
Capacitance (Farads-F)
Measured in Farads, capacitance is the measure of a capacitor’s ability to store electrical charge.
Some capacitors do come in smaller farad measurements like microfarads (μF) and picofarads (pF).
Dielectric Material
A dielectric material is used between the plates of a capacitor and determines the performance of a capacitor in regard to capacitance, voltage rating, and temperature tolerance.
In addition, different dielectric materials offer different voltage ratings, temperature tolerances, and capacitance values
Voltage Rating
Each capacitor has a maximum voltage rating that it can withstand within its terminals without breaking down. If this voltage rating is exceeded, the capacitor will get damaged.
Functions and Applications of Capacitors
Capacitors have numerous functions and applications. Below we discuss these two important capacitor aspects.
Energy Storage
The main function of a capacitor is to store electric energy when charged. On the other hand, a capacitor loses the energy when discharged.
These help to provide quick bursts of energy in some appliances an example being a camera flash. Capacitors also play a very big role in power supplies and help a lot in power supply regulation.
Filtering
Capacitors smooth out alternating current (AC) and voltage waveforms in a process known as filtering. With this, there is a reduction in unwanted ripple and noise.
In addition, the filtering process mainly takes place in power supplies where there is a conversion of AC to DC and signal processing units.
Timing
In conjunction with resistors, capacitors are used to create timing constants in timing circuits such as pulse generators and oscillators.
Signal Coupling
Coupling in capacitors is the process of transferring AC signals while blocking DC components within an electronic circuit.
You are likely to get signal-coupling capacitors in radio circuits, TV circuits, and audio amplifier circuits.
Decoupling
Also known as bypass capacitors, decoupling capacitors play a very significant role within electronic circuits. They are placed near integrated circuits and other sensitive components.
They help ensure a stable power supply to the integrated circuits and the sensitive components while also reducing noise on the power rails.
Tuning
Variable capacitors are used for tuning to select different frequencies in radio frequency (RF) circuits. You are likely to get them on FM/AM/SW radios.
Types of Capacitors
This is the third section of this article. Below we shall tell you all about capacitor types that you are likely to come across as you go on your day-to-day electronic activities.
Capacitors come in various materials, shapes, and sizes all with different functionalities shall tell you about the early and recent capacitors… Kindly read on.
Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are cheap and small in size making them the most used type of capacitor in the electronic sphere.
They are available and made of various ceramic materials like – NPO, X7R, and Y5V. Each of these materials offers different characteristics.
Furthermore, these capacitors are ideal for high-frequency applications and you are likely to get them in bypassing and coupling applications.
Aluminium Electrolytic Capacitors
These are some of the widely used capacitors. Commonly referred to as electrolytic capacitors, they provide high capacitance and are used to filter and store electrical energy.
In addition, they are polarized. This means that they must be correctly connected to the respective polarity. IE positive polarity (+) and negative polarity (-).
The two common types are the electrolytic capacitors and tantalum capacitors…
Tantalum Capacitors
Used in high-precision and high-reliability applications, tantalum capacitors come in both wet and dry states. In addition, they are known for their stability and high capacitance-to-size ratio.
Film Capacitors
Made of paper or plastic films as the dielectric, film capacitors are known for their stability and low dielectric losses. More to this, there are three types of film capacitors namely:
- Polyester film capacitors (Mylar)
- polypropylene film capacitors, and
- polyethylene film capacitors
Polymer Capacitors (Solid Electrolytic Capacitors)
An advancement of tantalum capacitors, polymer capacitors are used in power supply circuits and high-frequency applications. In addition, they offer high performance and reliability.
Supercapacitors (Ultracapacitors)
Also known as ultracapacitors, supercapacitors are used in applications that require quick energy release such as regenerative braking in hybrid cars.
Additionally, they are designed for high-energy storage and rapid charge/discharge cycles.
More Types of Capacitors
Variable Capacitors
Variable capacitors are used in tuning applications like radio tuners and oscillators because their capacitance can be adjusted manually or electronically.
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