Capacitor Types

 

1) Capacitors can be used to control timing, filtering, and smoothing out power supplies.

2) Three major types of capacitors are ceramic, electrolytic, and tantalum

3) Ceramic capacitors are small in size and value, ranging from a few Pico Farads to 1 µF. Not polarized, so either end can go to ground. Value is given by a mystical code somewhat like that of resistors.

4) Electrolytic capacitors look like small cylinders and range in value from 1 µF to several Farads. Very inaccurate and change in value as the electrolytic ages. Polarized, cathode must go to ground. Cathode is marked with a minus sign on case. Value is usually written on case.

5) Tantalum capacitors are similar in size to ceramic but can hold more charge, up to several hundred µF. Accurate and stable, but relatively expensive. Usually Polarized, anode is marked with a plus sign.

 

 

 

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