Capacitors have several key specifications that define their performance and suitability for various applications. Some of the most important capacitor specifications are mentioned below :
Capacitance (C)
Capacitance is the fundamental property of a capacitor and is measured in Farads (F). It determines the amount of electrical charge a capacitor can store per unit voltage. Higher capacitance values indicate a greater ability to store charge.
Voltage rating (V) or Working voltage direct current (WVDC)
The voltage rating of a capacitor, expressed in volts (V) or WVDC (Working Voltage Direct Current), represents the maximum voltage the capacitor can safely handle without breaking down or experiencing electrical breakdown. Choosing a capacitor with an appropriate voltage rating is crucial to prevent damage.
Polarity
Some capacitors, like electrolytic and tantalum capacitors, are polarized and must be connected with the correct polarity. If these are not connected in the correct polarity, they may be destroyed. Non-polarized capacitors can be connected in either direction.
Tolerance
Capacitors are manufactured with a specified capacitance tolerance, which indicates how closely the actual capacitance value will match the rated value. Common tolerances include ±5%, ±10%, and ±20%. Tighter tolerances indicate greater accuracy.
Dielectric material
The dielectric material between the capacitor plates determines its performance characteristics. Different dielectric materials offer varying levels of capacitance, voltage rating, temperature stability, and other properties. Common dielectric materials include ceramic, aluminum electrolytic, tantalum, polyester (Mylar), polypropylene, and more.
Equivalent series resistance (ESR)
ESR represents the internal resistance of a capacitor and is measured in ohms (Ω). A lower ESR value indicates better efficiency and higher performance, especially in high-frequency applications. At high frequencies, a pure capacitor (without ESR) should behave as a short. However, in the presence of resistance, the resistance at high frequency remains constant and does not decrease. Since it is present in series as shown in Fig 3, it introduces a pole-zero which can widen the operating bandwidth and make LDOs unstable.
Tangent of loss angle
The tangent of the loss angle (often denoted as tan δ) is the ratio of the imaginary component of impedance to the real component in a circuit. It is also referred to as the “dissipation factor” and is used to characterize losses in AC circuits. The value of ESR is not mentioned directly in the datasheets, however value of tan δ allows us the measure the ESR indirectly
Equivalent series inductance (ESL)
ESL represents the inductive component of a capacitor’s impedance and is significant in high-frequency applications. Lower ESL values are preferred for minimizing high-frequency degradation of capacitance. At high frequencies, a pure capacitor (without ESL) should behave as a short. However, in the presence of inductance, the impedance at high-frequency increases since it is present in series as shown in Fig 3.
Leakage current
Leakage current, measured in microamperes (µA) or nanoamperes (nA), is the small amount of current that can flow through a capacitor when it’s fully charged. Lower leakage currents are preferable in applications where energy efficiency is critical.
Temperature coefficient (TCR) or Temperature stability
The temperature coefficient indicates how a capacitor’s capacitance changes with temperature. It is expressed in parts per million per degree Celsius (ppm/°C) and helps assess a capacitor’s stability across a range of temperatures.
Ripple current rating
In AC or pulsating DC applications, capacitors may experience ripple currents. The ripple current rating specifies the maximum allowable AC current without causing excessive temperature rise or damage to the capacitor. Higher current may flow through the ESR can cause heating which impacts longevity and performance.
Life expectancy and endurance
Different types of capacitors have different lifespans. For example, electrolytic capacitors typically have a shorter lifespan compared to ceramic or film capacitors. Capacitors subjected to electrical stress beyond their specifications or exposed to overvoltage conditions may degrade more quickly. The environment in which the capacitor is used can affect its lifespan. Factors such as humidity, vibration, and exposure to corrosive substances can impact a capacitor’s longevity.
Reliability
In the realm of applications (Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, and Medical) that exhibit a low tolerance for device failures, the capacitors are meticulously manufactured and rigorously tested in accordance with well-defined standards (MIL-HDBK-217F Notice 2). The primary objective of this stringent approach is to furnish a statistically robust guarantee of device reliability. The devices are procured through documentation. Such channels facilitate the tracking of a component’s history throughout the entire production process. This traceability is essential for ensuring device integrity and streamlining the root cause analysis in the event of a malfunction.
Size and form factor
Capacitors come in various physical sizes and shapes, which can impact their suitability for specific applications. Factors like package type, footprint, and lead spacing should be considered.