Capacitor Dictionary, Terms, and Definitions

Previous set of Capacitor Terms

Breakdown: A disruptive discharge through an insulator.

Bypass Capacitor: .A capacitor used to transfer unwanted signals out of a circuit; for example, coupling an unwanted signal to ground. Also called a decoupling capacitor. [Capacitor placement]

Capacitance: Property of a capacitor which determines its ability to store electrical energy when a given voltage is applied, measured in farads, microfarads, or picofarads. The property of an electrical circuit that opposes changes in voltage.

Capacitance tolerance: The part manufacturer's guaranteed maximum deviation (expressed in percent) from the specified nominal value at standard (or stated) environmental conditions. [Capacitor dielectric and Temperature]

Capacitive reactance: Opposition offered to the flow of an alternating or pulsating current by capacitance, measured in ohms.

Capacitor: Electronic component part consisting essentially of two conducting surfaces separated by an insulating (dielectric) material. A capacitor stores electrical energy, blocks the flow of direct current, and permits the flow of alternating or pulsating current to a degree dependent on the capacitance and the frequency.
(1) Capacitor, liquid-filled. A capacitor in which a liquid impregnant occupies substantially all of the case volume not required by the capacitor element and its connections. (Space may be allowed for the expansion of the liquid under temperature variations.)
(2) Capacitor, liquid-impregnated. A capacitor in which a liquid impregnant is dominantly contained within the foil-winding and paper-winding, but does not occupy substantially all of the case volume.
(3) Capacitor, temperature-compensating. A capacitor whose capacitance varies with temperature in a known and predictable manner.

Capacitance-Start Motor: .A type of single-phase, ac induction motor in which a starting winding and a capacitor are placed in series to start the motor. The values of XC and R are such that the main-winding and starting-winding currents are nearly 90 degrees apart and the starting torque is produced as in a two-phase motor.

Cathode: Negative electrode of a capacitor. The cathode is the shorter lead of a polorized capacitor.

Ceramic Capacitor: A capacitor that uses a ceramic as a dielectric material. By-pass capacitors used to isolate ICs are ceramic capacitors. There are four main temperature classes; see the Dielectric Material page.

Charge Cycle: The period of time that a capacitor in an electrical circuit is storing a charge.

Coupling Capacitor: A capacitor used to couple signals.

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