CAPACITOR

Introduction:

Capacitors can be seen in most of the electronic circuits. Basically, they are used for storing
charges, current filtering, and signal smoothing purposes. If you do not know what is a
capacitor then this article is for you. In this article, you will know

1. What is a Capacitor?
2. Symbol of capacitor
3. How many types of Capacitor?
4. What is the Capacitance of a Capacitor?
5. How to measure the Capacitance of a Capacitor?
6. Capacitor charging and discharging.
7. How does a Capacitor work?
8. What are Capacitor formulas?
9. What are the applications of Capacitors?
10. How to choose capacitors for circuits?
11. What is a Capacitor?
A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electronic component used to store electrical energy
in an electric field and serves as a very short time battery in the circuits. In the form of a
capacitor, it consists of two conducting parallel metal plates separated by an insulating
material called the dielectric.

The conductive metal plates of the capacitor can be either square, circular, rectangular,
cylindrical and spherical shape depending on its application and voltage rating. Dielectrics
can be glass, ceramic, plastic film, air, paper, mica, etc. These dielectrics act to increase
the capacitor's charge capacity.

When the power source connected to the plates of the capacitor then one plate of the
capacitor accumulates positive charges and another plate accumulates negative charges.
As a result, an electric field develops across the dielectric. So it acts like an energy source
in the circuits.

Symbol of capacitor

To design an electronic circuit the symbol of the capacitor is used. In the electronic circuit
different type of symbol is used to show the polarized, non-polarized and variable capacitor.

In the polarized capacitor, the positive and negative sign is used to show the polarity of the
capacitor and in the non-polarized capacitor, there is no polarity to show in the symbol. In
the variable capacitor, an arrow is shown in the symbol.

How many types of Capacitor?

There are many types of capacitors used in electronic circuits. Mainly capacitors are divided
into two common groups called the fixed capacitor and the variable capacitor.

In the fixed capacitor, the value of capacitance cannot be changed. But in the variable
capacitor, you can change the value of capacitance. In this tutorial, we will discuss some
major types of capacitor

1. Electrolytic capacitor.
2. Ceramic capacitor.
3. Film capacitor.
4. Variable capacitor.

1. Electrolytic capacitor:

Electrolytic capacitors are a type of capacitor that is polarized. They can only be placed one
way round in the circuit. This type of capacitor is most popular for they are able to the high
capacitance values typically above 1µF.

They do not operate well at high frequency and are typically not used for frequencies above
50 - 100 kHz. This type of capacitor is used for making the power supplies, decoupling,
filtering, and audio coupling applications. There are many different types of electrolytic
capacitors like aluminum, tantalum, niobium electrolytic capacitor.

2. Ceramic capacitor:

In this capacitor, the ceramic dielectric is used, for using this ceramic dielectric the
capacitor is said to the ceramic capacitor. In this capacitor, there is no polarity. This type of
capacitor gives the many properties including a low loss factor and a reasonable level of
stability.

Ceramic dielectrics do not give as high a level of capacitance per unit volume. the
capacitance value range of ceramic capacitor from a few picofarads to 0.1µF. This type of
capacitor is used for decoupling and in many applications from audio to RF.
3. Film capacitor:

The film capacitor additionally arrives in a combination of shapes and case styles. They are
available in almost any value and voltages as high as 1500 volts.

The electrodes of the film capacitor may be metalized aluminum or zinc, applied on one or
both sides of the plastic film. For this reason, the capacitor is called the film capacitor.

There are different types of film capacitor are used in electronic circuits like polystyrene film
capacitor, polyester film capacitor, and metalized polyester film capacitor.

Polystyrene film capacitor:

This type of capacitor is tubular in shape. The frequency range of this type of capacitor is to
a few hundred kHz. This type of capacitor is used in high voltage.

Polyester film capacitor:

The polyester capacitor is based around the polyester dielectric like polyethylene
terephthalate, PET. Polyester has a high dielectric constant and it is able to deliver a low-
cost product and it is able to operate at high temperatures up to 125°c.

This type of capacitor is used for general coupling, decoupling application, dc blocking,
filtering, and audio applications.

4. Variable capacitor:

A variable capacitor is made like the capacitance of this capacitor very either electrically or
mechanically. There are many uses of these variable resistors such as for tuning in LC
circuits of radio receivers, for many impedances matching in antennas, etc.

The main types of variable capacitors are Tuning capacitors and Trimmer capacitors.

Tuning capacitor:

Tuning capacitors are a popular type of variable capacitor. They contain a stator, a rotor, a
frame of support the stator and a mica capacitor. The tuning capacitor is mostly used in LC
circuits in radio receivers.

Trimmer capacitor:

The trimmer capacitors are varied using a screwdriver. There are three leads of a trimmer
capacitor, one connected to the stationary plate, one to rotary and the other one is
common. The movable disc is a semi-circular shaped one.

What is the Capacitance of a Capacitor?

If we applied a voltage V across the two terminals of the capacitor then the amount of
stored charge Q is directly proportional to the applied voltage i.e.

Q ∝ V or Q = CV
Where C is the capacitance of the capacitor.

Capacitance:

The capacitance of the capacitor is defined as if a capacitor has the capacitance of 1F then
it stores 1C charge on the plates by applying 1V of voltage.

The capacitance of the capacitor is measured in the unit of coulomb/volt is called farad(F).

The other units to measure capacitance are statfarad, microfarad, picofarad, etc. The
relation of these units is given below

1F = 9✕1011 stat F, 1mF = 10-3, 1µF = 10-6 F, 1nF = 10-9 F, and 1pF = 10-12 F

How to measure the Capacitance of a Capacitor?

Measurement of the capacitance by using a multimeter

To measuring the capacitance of the capacitor at first to ensure that the capacitor is fully
discharged. If the capacitor is charged then it may cause shock in your hand.
You can use a resistor (2kΩ) or screwdriver to discharge the capacitor. After discharging
the capacitor, you can measure it safely. Here we discuss how to measure polar and non-
polar capacitors using the multimeter.

Measurement of the polar capacitor

At first set the meter on continuity mode or ohm range (Set it at least 1000 ohm = 1kΩ).
After setting the meter, connect the meter leads to the capacitor terminal. The red lead of
the multimeter is connected to the big electrode and the black lead connected to the small
electrode.

After connecting the leads of the multimeter, it will show some number for a second (note
the number) and then immediately it will return to the OL (Open Line) which means the
capacitor is good condition. If there is no change, then the capacitor is dead.

Measurement of the non-polar capacitor

In the non-polar capacitor, there is no polarity so you can connect the leads of the
multimeter to any electrodes of the capacitor. But in this capacitor, if there is no reading in
the multimeter so the capacitor is in good condition and if the multimeter is showing some
values then the capacitor is dead.

Capacitor charging and discharging

Charging of the capacitor

Initially charge on the plates of the capacitor is zero. When the capacitor is connected to a
DC voltage source then current flows through the capacitor and charge being accumulated
on the plates of the capacitor. This accumulation of charge is called the charging of the
capacitor.
Discharging of the capacitor

After charging the capacitor when removed the power supply from the capacitor and
connect an external device like a led bulb in series with the charged capacitor.

Vc

(Icharging)

Then the bcapacitor acts as a voltage source and current flows through the device or in the
circuits until the voltage on the capacitor becomes zero again. This is called the discharging
of the capacitor.
How does a Capacitor work?

If we connect a power source or a battery to the metal plates of the capacitor, a current will
flow or the electrons from the plate connected to the positive lead of the battery will start
moving to the plate connected to the negative lead of the battery.

However, because of the dielectric between the plates, the electrons won't be able to pass
through the capacitor so they will start accumulating on the plates.
The first plate has developed a net negative charge, and the second plate has developed
an equal net positive charge, creating an electric field with an attractive force between them
which holds the charge of the capacitor. In the capacitor, the dielectric can increase the
capacitance of the capacitor.

A dielectric contains molecules that are polar which means that they can change their
orientation based on the charges on the two plates. So, the molecules align themselves
with the electric field in such a way enabling more electrons to be attracted to the negative
plate, while repelling more electron out of the positive plate.

So once the capacitor is fully charged, if we remove the battery, it will hold the electric
charge for a long time, acting as an energy source.

What are Capacitor formulas?

To design circuits by capacitor some formulas are used. These formulas are given below

1. The basic capacitance formula

The basic formula for the capacitance of the capacitor is:

m

Where:

C = Capacitance of the capacitor in farad

Q = Charge of the capacitor in coulomb
V = Applied voltage in volt

2. The capacitance of the capacitor in the series combination

If N number of capacitors is connected in series then the formula for the equivalent
capacitance is:

3. The capacitance of the capacitor in the parallel combination

If N number of capacitors is connected in parallel then the formula for the equivalent
capacitor is

4. The formula for capacitive reactance

Capacitive reactance is the opposition offered by the capacitance to the alternating flow of
charges (alternating current).

Vc

Ic

Vc

Ic

The capacitive reactance (Xc) of the capacitornchanges with respect to the applied
frequency(f) and the formula used for it is: n

Where:

f = frequency in Hertz.
C = capacitance

5. The formula for the energy stored in a capacitor

The energy stored in a capacitor can be calculated from the formula

Where:

V = voltage in volt.
C = capacitance

6. The formula for the self-resonant frequency

The formula for the self-resonant frequency is

Where:

L = Inductance in Henry
C = capacitance

Some other formulas used for making the capacitor. These formulae are given below

7. The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor

The formula for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is:

Where:

A = Area of each plate

d = Separation between the two plates
𝜖 = Permittivity of the medium (dielectric).

8. The capacitance of a spherical capacitor

The formula for the capacitance of a spherical capacitor is:

Where:

a = Radius of the inner sphere

b = Radius of the outer sphere
𝜖 = Permittivity of the medium

9. The capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor

The formula for the capacitance of a cylindrical capacitor is:

Where:

a = Radius of the inner sphere

b = Radius of the outer sphere
𝜖 = Permittivity of the medium

What are the applications of the Capacitor?

In the electronic circuits, the capacitor is used in many different ways. Capacitors used for
coupling, decoupling or smoothing or filtering and as an energy-storing component.

1. Use of the capacitor as coupling

In electronics circuits, the capacitor is used for AC coupling.

AC coupling

The AC coupling consists of using a capacitor to filter out the DC signal from a signal with
both AC and DC. In the amplifier when we amplify some signal like audio then we just want
a pure AC signal to amplify it.

But in a signal with both AC and DC may cause distortion in the output signal so we need
AC coupling. In the arrangement of the capacitor, the capacitor must be in series with the
signal. For this reason, the capacitor is used in RC coupled amplifier.

2. Use of the capacitor as decoupling

A decoupling capacitor acts as a local electrical energy reservoir. Capacitors, like batteries,
need time to charge and discharge. When used as decoupling capacitors, they oppose
quick changes of voltage.

If the input voltage suddenly drops, the capacitor provides sufficient energy to keep the
voltage stable.
Similarly, if there is a voltage spike, the capacitor absorbs the excess energy. For this
reason, the capacitor is used as a voltage smoothing component. In the arrangement of the
capacitor, the capacitor must be in parallel with the signal.

In the making of variable power supply after rectification, some AC component is coming
with the signal, to removing this AC component from the signal we needed the capacitor. In
this process, we use L-section, T-section and ℼ-section filters.

How to choose capacitors for circuits?

When you design circuits using capacitor then mainly you need to look at two values of the
capacitor that is the voltage rating and the capacitance (Both are written on the most
capacitor).

For example, if you are going to charge a capacitor with 24V, you need to make sure your
capacitor will support that voltage; so, you will need a capacitor for at least 25V (Plus error
margin).

The capacity will depend on how much you need in each instance, how much time it will
take the capacitor to charge/discharge, etc. When you need different values, you can
combine two of those.

For example, two 100µF capacitors in series make a 50µF capacitor and two 100µF
capacitors in parallel make a 200µF capacitor. This way you can make any value you need.
 HOW TO READ THE VALUE OF A CAPACITOR?

The value of a capacitor is either in determine from its body by number code, color code, or
directly written on its body.

Number code in capacitor is printed on capitor in terms of first digit, second digit and
multiplier.

Capacitor Value = 4700pF ±10%

Note: the value of a disc capacitor is in picofarad

Table of Tolerances for Capacitors

xcz
Homework:

1st digit 2nd digit Multiplier Tolerance Value of the capacitor

1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.
 Capacitor Color Code

Color code in capacitor is printed on capitor in terms of stipes of different colors a shwon
below.
Homework: Find the value, tolerance and TC of each capacitor.

1st 2nd Multiplier Tolerance Capacitance Max TC

digit digit Value w/ Voltage
tolerance

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.
 Capacitor with Printed Value

Electrolytic and some other capacitors have its value printed on its body.

Tantalum Capacitors

Electrolytic Capacitors

The maximum working voltage is printed on the body of the capacitor. When the applied
voltage is higher than the maximum voltage, the capacitor usually pops or explodes.