Types of Capacitor

Types OF Capacitor

Fix type capacitor
Electrolytic capacitor
Variable capacitor

Breakdown voltage
When using a capacitor, you must pay attention to the maximum voltage which can be used. This is the "breakdown

voltage." The breakdown voltage depends on the kind of capacitor being used. You must be especially careful

with electrolytic capacitors because the breakdown voltage is comparatively low. The breakdown voltage of

electrolytic capacitors is displayed as Working Voltage.


Electrolytic Capacitors (Electrochemical type capacitors)

Aluminum is used for the electrodes by using a thin oxidization membrane.
Large values of capacitance can be obtained in comparison with the size of the capacitor, because the

dielectric used is very thin.

Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum Capacitors are electrolytic capacitors that is use a material called tantalum for the electrodes.

Large values of capacitance similar to aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be obtained.

Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are constructed with materials such as titanium acid barium used as the dielectric.

Internally, these capacitors are not constructed as a coil, so they can be used in high frequency applications.

Typically, they are used in circuits which bypass high frequency signals to ground.

Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors

The multilayer ceramic capacitor has a many-layered dielectric. These capacitors are small in size, and have

good temperature and frequency characteristics.

Electric Double Layer Capacitors (Super Capacitors)

This is a "Super Capacitor," which is quite a wonder.
The capacitance is 0.47 F (470,000 µF).

Polyester Film Capacitors
This capacitor uses thin polyester film as the dielectric.
They are not high tolerance, but they are cheap and handy. Their tolerance is about ±5% to ±10%

Polypropylene Capacitors
This capacitor is used when a higher tolerance is necessary than polyester capacitors offer. Polypropylene film

is used for the dielectric

Mica Capacitors

These capacitors use Mica for the dielectric. Mica capacitors have good stability because their temperature

coefficient is small. Because their frequency characteristic is excellent, they are used for resonance

circuits, and high frequency filters.


Variable Capacitors

Variable capacitors are used for adjustment etc. of frequency mainly.

On the left in the photograph is a "trimmer," which uses ceramic as the dielectric. Next to it on the right is

one that uses polyester film for the dielectric.


Metallized Polyester Film Capacitors
These capacitors are a kind of a polyester film capacitor. Because their electrodes are thin, they can be

miniaturized.