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
Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are a type of capacitor that uses a ceramic material as the dielectric between the capacitor plates. Ceramic capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits due to their reliability, small size, and low cost. Here are some characteristics of ceramic capacitors:
- High capacitance range: Ceramic capacitors are available in various capacitance values, typically ranging from a few picofarads to several microfarads.
- Small size: They are available in small sizes, making them well-suited for applications where space is limited.
- Low cost: They are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of capacitors, which makes them a popular choice in many electronic circuits.
- High voltage ratings: They have high voltage ratings, typically ranging from a few volts to several thousand volts.
- Non-polarized: Most ceramic capacitors are non-polarized, meaning they can be connected in either direction in a circuit.
- Temperature sensitivity: They are sensitive to temperature and may experience changes in performance in extreme temperatures. Careful consideration of the operating environment is necessary to ensure optimal performance.
- Piezoelectric properties: Some types of ceramic capacitors, such as those made from barium titanate, exhibit piezoelectric properties, which means that they can convert mechanical stress into electrical energy.
Overall, ceramic capacitors are a popular choice in electronic circuits due to their small size, high capacitance range, and low cost. They are commonly used in various applications, including filters, decoupling, and timing circuits.
