/ /

An electrical device with conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

Common types:

• mica
• ceramic
• plastic film
• electolytic

electolytic capacitors are polarized. Be careful!

Function

Essentially, a temporary battery, capable of storing up an electrical charge.

Operating Values

There are two ratings:

1. A voltage rating, which specifies the maximum voltage that can be applied without damaging the component.
2. A capacitance value, which is rated in farads amd is typically printed on the capacitor itself

To determine the value of a capacitor:
The multiplier stands for how many zeros to add to the first two values.

The result is the capacitance value in picofarads (pF).

For capacitors less than 100pF, only a two digit number is printed on the capacitor, or a two-digit number followed by a "0". A 55pF capacitor may be marked as 55 or 550.