Class 11 > Unit # 09: Capacitors > Types of Capacitors

 

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Types of Capacitors

Types of Capacitors

"Capacitors play a very important role in various electrical circuits, especially radio circuits. Here we classify some common types of capacitors."

1. Variable Capacitors

This type of capacitor is used to control the capacitance continuously for tuning transmitters and receivers' signals.

2. Film Capacitors

Film capacitors consist of a relatively large family of capacitors with the difference being in their dielectric properties. They are available in almost any value and voltages as high as $1500\text{ V}$.

Applications: Film capacitors are used in power electronics devices, phase shifters, X-ray flashes, and pulsed lasers.

3. Ceramic Capacitors

These capacitors are used in high-frequency circuits ranging from audio to radio frequencies. These capacitors are also commonly referred to as disc capacitors.

4. Electrolytic Capacitors

These capacitors are generally used when very large capacitance values are required. The majority of electrolytic capacitors are polarized.

Applications: Electrolytic capacitors are generally used in DC power supply circuits due to their large capacitances and small size, which help to reduce ripple voltage.

Fig: Various commercial types of capacitors used in electronic and electrical circuits.

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