Fixed capacitors maintain a constant charge and energy output, and are commonly used in timing circuits and small electronics. They are made with a dielectric material that separates conducting plates, and come in various shapes and sizes with different nominal capacities. Capacitance is measured in farads or microfarads. The history of capacitors dates back to the 18th century, and American innovator Benjamin Franklin is credited with producing the first flat capacitor.
A fixed capacitor is a part of an electronic device or electrical appliance that helps maintain a constant charge and energy output. Helps store energy and moderates its flow. In general there are two major types of capacitors, fixed or variable. Capacitors in the “fixed” category tend to be more common in the timing circuits of small appliances and electronics used by individuals, homes and offices. They provide a more or less constant flow of energy to the device, which allows for uninterrupted use. In almost all cases they are built with shutdown capabilities to protect against power surges or power overflow situations. From an engineering point of view, their mechanics can be quite complex and there are a couple of different varieties and specifications depending on the setting. In general, however, the concept is consistent; these components filter electrical energy and control its flow to a mainframe or a device’s internal processing center, which then translates it into a useful task.
Basics of capacitors
Virtually every electronic device uses a capacitor in some way, and the best way to characterize them is usually in terms of how they process the input energy. Fixed capacitors are those that maintain a constant, unchanging value of what is known as a “capacity” or ability to hold an electric charge. Variable capacitors are characterized by the fact that their capacitance value can be adjusted or varied.
The history of capacitors can be traced back to the 18th century. Peter van Musschenbroek of Leiden University in the Netherlands developed what became known as the Leyden jar, an early form of capacitor. American innovator and later President Benjamin Franklin is credited with producing the first flat capacitor. Both of these early models have been corrected. The main characteristic of a capacitor that is specifically fixed is its ability to hold a constant charge regardless of fluctuations in the circuit.
Common uses
This type of capacitor is perhaps most often found in timing circuits. While frequently used in tandem with a resistor to create a timer, fixed capacitors are also used to provide a continuous flow of level current. This helps to avoid spikes and surges that could occur in the power supply of an electrical circuit.
Varieties and materials
There are various types of capacitors that can be described or grouped as “fixed” and in most cases they are organized according to the dielectric material they are made of. Basically, a dielectric is a material that does not conduct electricity. The dielectric is used in the fixed capacitor to insulate or separate materials that conduct electricity.
The capacitor is constructed with the dielectric sandwiched between the two conducting plates. In this way, each plate is capable of being charged with electric current and has the ability to hold charge. The difference in the charge levels of the conductive plates allows for the existence of an electric field in the dielectric.
A variety of materials are available for use as dielectrics, including paper, plastic, and ceramic. In some cases it is even possible to use air as an insulating layer between the conducting plates, and this is the theory behind vacuum tubes.
Valuation differences and measurement standards
The nominal capacitance of a fixed capacitor is affected by the thickness of the dielectric. Also, the type of material used for the conductive plates is of vital importance, as some materials have a much higher rate of conductivity than others.
Capacitance is usually measured in terms of farads or microfarads. Capacitors come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and most importantly, nominal capacities. In some applications, stationary models are connected together in series to form what is known as a stationary capacitor bank.
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