Capacitors

Capacitors are electronic components that store and release electrical energy in the form of an electric field. They are a fundamental element in electronic circuits and are used for various purposes, including energy storage, filtering, coupling, and timing.

They are characterized by their capacitance, which is measured in farads (F), but smaller units like microfarads (µF) and picofarads (pF) are more commonly used in electronic applications.

They come in a wide range of sizes and types to suit different applications. The choice of capacitor depends on the specific requirements of the circuit and the intended use.

Types of Capacitors:

• Electrolytic: Have a liquid electrolyte and are polarized. Common types include aluminium electrolytic and tantalum capacitors.
• Ceramics: Ceramics as the dielectric and are non-polarized.
• Film: Use a thin film of plastic as the dielectric. They can be made with various materials like polyester, polypropylene, or mylar.
• Variable: Allow the capacitance to be adjusted, commonly used in tuning circuits.
• Super (Supercap or Ultracap): These have much higher capacitance values than traditional capacitors and are used for energy storage.

Voltage Rating:

• Capacitors have a maximum voltage they can withstand without breaking down. It’s important to select capacitors with voltage ratings higher than the maximum voltage they will experience in the circuit.