"A", "B/C", "D", "E", "F", "G", "I/L", "M/N", "P", "Q/R", "S", "T", "V/Z"
Previous set of Capacitor Terms and Definitions
Quality factor (Q): The ratio of capacitive reactance to resistance.
Radio interference: Un-desired conducted or radiated electrical disturbances, including transients, which may interfere with the operation of electrical or electronic communications equipment or other electronic equipment.
RC Time Constant: Time required for an exponential quantity to change by an amount equal to 63.2 percent of the total change that can occur. Falling Voltage Time Constant:
Rated Voltage: The maximum value of voltage that may be applied continuously, within the operating temperature range of the capacitor. For Electrolytic capacitors, this voltage is a direct current or D.C. voltage. See Capacitor Derating Guide
Reactance: The opposition offered to the flow of an alternating current by the inductance, capacitance, or both, in any circuit.
Re-aging: Apply the rated voltage to the capacitor at room temperature for a period of one hour, or until the leakage current has fallen to a steady value below the specified limit.
RFI Capacitor: Radio interference suppression capacitors must not only satisfy EMC requirements in suppressing outgoing interference from an application but they also protect the application from incoming power surges. Refer to EMI/RFI Devices
Ripple voltage (or current): The ac component of a uni-directional voltage or current (the ac component is small in comparison with the dc component). The term ripple current [Ir] is used for the rms value of the alternating current that flows through the capacitor as a result of an alternating or pulsating voltage termed a 'ripple voltage'. The maximum permissible ripple current is dependent on the case style and surface area, the heat dissipation (ESR), the a.c. frequency, the maximum allowed core temperature (depends on electrolyte used) and the ambient temperature.
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