Capacitor

Meaning of Capacitor

A capacitor stores electric charge. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals.

Types of Capacitor

1. Polarised Capacitor

A capacitor stores electric charge. This type must be connected the correct way round. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals.

2.Variable Capacitor

These type of capacitors are often used in L/C circuits to set the resonance frequency, e.g. to tune a radio therefore it is sometimes called a tuning capacitor or tuning condenser.

3.Trimmer Capacitor

This type of variable capacitor (a trimmer) is operated with a small screwdriver or similar tool. It is designed to be set when the circuit is made and then left without further adjustment.

4. Fixed capacitor

Fixed capacitor is constructed in such manner that it possesses a fixed value of capacitance which cannot be adjusted.

Capacitor Symbols

Capacitor color code

Capacitor color code

Capacitor unit is Farad F
 uF        MicroFarad  =10x-10*6
nF         nanoFarad    =10x-10*9
pF         picoFarad      =10x-10*12
U