30-second summary
Capacitor
A capacitor is a device that can store electric charge and normally consists of two conducting objects (usually plates or sheets) placed near each other but not touching.
Basically, capacitors consist of two metal plates separated by an insulator. The insulator is called a dielectric. (e.g., polystyrene, oil, or air).
Capacitors are one of the most used and useful electronic components used in any modern electronic and electrical circuit and devices.
The most common kinds of capacitors are:
- Electrolytic capacitors
- Ceramic capacitors
- Paper capacitors
- Film capacitors
- Mica capacitors
- Supercapacitors
See also: Capacitance
See also: Dielectrics
Mica Capacitors
Mica capacitors are a type of capacitor that use mica as the dielectric material between the capacitor plates. Mica is a naturally occurring mineral with excellent electrical insulation properties, making it well-suited for use in capacitors.
Here are some characteristics of mica capacitors:
- High precision: Mica capacitors are known for their high precision and stability over a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. They have very low tolerance values, typically ranging from ±0.1% to ±5%.
- Low loss: They have very low loss and high Q (quality factor) values, which means that they can store charge for a long time without losing it or introducing noise into the circuit.
- High voltage ratings: They have high voltage ratings, typically ranging from a few hundred volts to several thousand volts. This makes them well-suited for use in high-voltage applications such as power supplies and filters.
- Small size: They are available in small sizes, which makes them useful in applications where space is limited.
- Limited capacitance range: Mica capacitors have a limited capacitance range, typically ranging from a few picofarads to a few hundred nanofarads. This makes them best suited for applications that require low to moderate capacitance values.
Overall, mica capacitors are known for their high precision, stability, and low loss characteristics, making them useful in a wide range of electronic applications.
