10

TLE/EPAS
Quarter 1 – Module 8:
ELECTRONIC THEORY
(Electronic Components - Capacitor)
TLE – Grade 10
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 8: Electronic Theory
First Edition, 2020

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 10

TLE/EPAS
Quarter 1 – Module 8:
ELECTRONIC THEORY
(Electronic Components - Capacitor)
Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the TLE- Grade 10 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on Electronic

Theory (Electronic Component- Capacitor)!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their
needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the (TLE - Grade 10) Self-Learning Module (SLM) on (Electronic Theory
– (Electronic Component - Capacitor)!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

1
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of the

lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to process
what you learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will

help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

2
At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing

this module.
The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the (Electronic Component - Capacitor). The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This module consists of one lesson.

 Lesson 8 – Decoding, Application and Basic Troubles of Capacitor

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Decode capacitor;
2. Discuss the common applications of capacitor;
3. Identify the basic troubles of capacitor.

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 What I Know

Direction: Encircle the letter of your answer. Use the activity sheets for your
answer.
1) The mark on Ceramic or Non-Polarized Capacitors is “104”. What is the value
of Capacitor?
a. 104 µF
b. 10000 µF
c. 10000 nF
d. 100000 pF
2) A capacitor passes AC and blocks DC
a. true
b. false
c. maybe
d. not sure
3) What is the value of the below disk ceramic capacitor is:
a. 400pF, +/- 5% tolerance
b. 250pF, +/- 2% tolerance
c. 300pF, +/- 4% tolerance
d. 100nF, +/- 2% tolerance
4) What is the reading of the below capacitor?
a. 46 x 10pF, +/-5% Tolerance, 250 Volts
b. 50 x 100pF, +/-2% Tolerance, 100 Volts
c. 35 x 10uF, +/-1% Tolerance, 60 Volts
d. 50 x 100nF, +/-4% Tolerance, 250 Volts
5) What is the energy stored in the capacitor?
a. ¼ CV
b. ½ CV2
c. CV2
d. ½ CV
6) What is the range value of ESR for actual capacitors?
a. milli Ohms to Ohms
b. micro Ohms to Milli Ohms
c. ohms to Mega Ohms
d. nano Ohms to Ohms
7) In what field does a capacitor work?
a. electric field
b. magnetic field
c. capacitance
d. resistor
8) What is measured in the Capacitance of a capacitor?
a. resist flow of current
b. store charge

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 c. allow flow of current
d. allow voltage
9) What is the function of DC voltage when applied to a capacitor?
a. acts as a short circuit at the instance of applied voltage and then as
an open circuit once fully charged
b. acts as an open circuit from the beginning
c. acts as a short circuit
d. act as open circuit
10) What is the use of capacitors in electric power supply system?
a. improve power factor
b. reduce line current
c. provide voltage stability
d. all of these
11) What happens to the charges on its plates if the capacitor is discharged?
a. no
b. equal
c. unequal
d. negative
12) What type of capacitor allows ac signals to pass while blocking dc signals?
a. filter
b. bypass
c. decoupling
d. coupling
13) How does a capacitor act on high frequencies?
a. open circuit
b. short circuit
c. amplifier
d. rectifier

14) How does a capacitor act on low frequencies?

a. open circuit
b. short circuit
c. amplifier
d. rectifier
15) What is the most common type of non-polarized capacitor?
a. ceramic capacitor
b. transistor
c. electrolytic capacitor
d. potentiometer

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 Lesson Capacitor: Its Code,
8 Application, and Basic
Troubles

What’s In

Activity 1

Direction: complete the table by identifying the picture and give a simple
description. Use the activity sheets for your answer.

Picture Name Simple description

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 What’s New

Activity 2
Direction: 4 Picture 1 Word. Give the word referred by the pictures. Use the activity
sheets for your answer.

µF

What is It

Decoding of capacitor values

Capacitors have a variety of marking codes on them. These markings and codes
indicate various properties for the capacitors and it is essential to understand them
in order to select the required type.

Today most capacitors are marked with alphanumeric codes but older capacitors
may be seen that have colour codes. These capacitor colour codes are less common
than in previous years, but some may still be seen.

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The capacitor marking codes vary in their format according to whether the
component is a surface mount device or whether it is leaded device, as well as the
capacitor dielectric. Size also plays a major part in determining how the capacitor is
marked – small components must use abbreviated coding systems, whereas larger
capacitors such as aluminium electrolytic varieties may write the relevant
parameters on the case in full.

Some of the marking systems have been standardised by the EIA - the Electronic
Industry Alliance, and these provide commonality across the industry.

Capacitor marking codes: the basics

Capacitors are marked in many different ways. There are a number of basic marking
systems that are used and different capacitor types and different manufacturers use
these as needed and best fits the particular product.

Note: that on some occasions the abbreviation MFD is used to denote µF and not a
MegaFarad.

Some of the basic coding schemes for the different parameters are included below:

Non-coded markings: The most obvious way of marking a capacitor parameters are
to directly mark them onto the case or encapsulation in some way. This method
works best on larger capacitors where there is sufficient space for the markings.

Abbreviated capacitor marking codes: Smaller capacitors may only have room for a
few figures printed as a code for the value. This capacitor marking code uses three
characters. It bears many similarities to the numeric code system adopted for some
surface mount resistors. The first two figures refer to the significant figures of the
capacitor value, and the third one acts as a multiplier. The value of the capacitor is
denoted in picofarads for ceramic, film, and tantalum capacitors, but for aluminium
electrolytic capacitors the value is denoted in microfarads.

Colour code: Some older capacitors use a form of colour code. This type of capacitor
marking is used less these days but may be seen on some older capacitors.

Tolerance codes: Some capacitors have a tolerance code. The code used is actually
the same as that used with resistors as it utilises the EIA scheme:

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Capacitor Colour Code Table

Temperature
Band Multiplier Tolerance Tolerance
Digit A Digit B Coefficient
Colour D (T) > 10pf (T) < 10pf
(TC)

Black 0 0 x1 ± 20% ± 2.0pF

Brown 1 1 x10 ± 1% ± 0.1pF -33×10-6

Red 2 2 x100 ± 2% ± 0.25pF -75×10-6

Orange 3 3 x1,000 ± 3% -150×10-6

Yellow 4 4 x10,000 ± 4% -220×10-6

Green 5 5 x100,000 ± 5% ± 0.5pF -330×10-6

Blue 6 6 x1,000,000 -470×10-6

Violet 7 7 -750×10-6

Grey 8 8 x0.01 +80%,-20%

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 White 9 9 x0.1 ± 10% ± 1.0pF

Gold x0.1 ± 5%

Silver x0.01 ± 10%

Capacitor Voltage Colour Code Table

Voltage Rating (V)

Band
Colour

Type J Type K Type L Type M Type N

Black 4 100 10 10

Brown 6 200 100 1.6

Red 10 300 250 4 35

Orange 15 400 40

Yellow 20 500 400 6.3 6

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 Green 25 600 16 15

Blue 35 700 630 20

Violet 50 800

Grey 900 25 25

White 3 1000 2.5 3

Gold 2000

Silver

An example of the use of capacitor colour codes is given as:

Metalized Polyester Capacitor

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Disc & Ceramic Capacitor

The Capacitor Colour Code system was

used for many years on unpolarised
polyester and mica moulded capacitors.
This system of colour coding is now obsolete
but there are still many “old” capacitors
around. Nowadays, small capacitors such
as film or disk types conform to the BS1852
Standard and its new replacement, BS EN
60062, were the colours have been replaced
by a letter or number coded system.

Generally the code consists of 2 or 3 numbers and an optional tolerance letter code
to identify the tolerance. Where a two number code is used the value of the capacitor
only is given in picofarads, for example, 47 = 47 pF and 100 = 100pF etc. A three
letter code consists of the two value digits and a multiplier much like the resistor
colour codes in the resistors section.

For example, the digits 471 = 47*10 = 470pF. Three digit codes are often
accompanied by an additional tolerance letter code as given below.

Capacitor Tolerance Letter Codes Table

B C D F G J K M Z
Letter

C <10pF ±pF 0.1 0.25 0.5 1 2

Tolerance

C >10pF ±% 0.5 1 2 5 10 20 +80 -20

Consider the capacitor below:

The capacitor on the left is of a ceramic disc type capacitor that has
the code 473J printed onto its body. Then the 4 = 1st digit, the 7 =
2nd digit, the 3 is the multiplier in pico-Farads, pF and the letter J is
the tolerance and this translates to: 47pF * 1,000 (3 zero’s) = 47,000
pF, 47nF or 0.047uF the J indicates a tolerance of +/- 5%

Then by just using numbers and letters as codes on the body of the
capacitor we can easily determine the value of its capacitance either in

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Pico-farad’s, Nano-farads or Micro-farads and a list of these “international” codes is
given in the following table along with their equivalent capacitances.

Basic Application of capacitor

Capacitors are used in virtually every area of electronics, and they perform a variety
of different tasks. Although capacitors operate in the same way whatever the
capacitor application or use, there are several different uses for capacitors in circuits.
In order to select the right kind of capacitor it is necessary to have an understanding
of the particular capacitor application so that its properties can be matched to the
given use to which it is to be put.

Each form of capacitor has its own attributes and this means that it will perform well
in a particulate capacitor use or application.

Choosing the right capacitor for a given application is all part of the design process
for a circuit. Using the wrong capacitor can easily mean that a circuit will not work.

I. Blocking/by passing

Blocking capacitors, (known as coupling capacitors in some literatures), are

extensively used in neural stimulators. Usually, a blocking capacitor is connected in
series with a stimulation electrodes and the other end of the capacitor goes to the
stimulation circuitry which supplies the current. Known for the “pass AC, block DC”
characteristic, blocking capacitors are important for safety in chronically implanted
stimulators. They have five functions: they help to correct charge imbalance; they
prevent direct current passing under fault conditions; they limit maximum net
charge and charge per phase; they provide larger electromotive force for discharging
and therefore faster passive discharge; and finally they automatically adjust the
resting potential of the electrode to accommodate more charge injection.

Functions of blocking capacitors.

The functions of blocking capacitors in stimulators ones are all related to safety.

1) Help to correct charge imbalance

The blocking capacitor and the electrode-electrolyte impedance can be lumped

into a simple R-C model, giving a time constant for discharge. Note, however,
that it may not be necessary to discharge for many time constants because a
non-zero mean voltage on the blocking capacitor may be acceptable.

2) Prevent prolonged DC current

Due to the “pass AC, block DC” characteristic of capacitors, if connected in

series with the stimulation load, they prevent prolonged direct current passing
through the electrodes and tissue. Prolonged DC might be caused by a

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 software fault, semiconductor failures, cable failures, etc. In these situations,
low-leakage blocking capacitors are the last line of defense against tissue
damage.

3) Limit maximum net charge and charge per phase

It is not only direct current that may harm the biological tissue. Even if the
mean current is zero, excessive charge density or charge per phase injected to
electrode-electrolyte interface will be dangerous. Each electrode material has
a maximum charge density which, if exceeded, will allow irreversible reactions
that generate toxic products. The maximum charge per phase is the product
of the maximum charge density and the electrode surface area.

4) Provide larger electromotive force (emf) for discharging

After charging in the cathodic phase, the blocking capacitor stores energy until
the anodic phase. In a passive anodic phase, voltage across the blocking
capacitor drives the discharge current and the energy is released. For
stimulation electrodes, no matter whether they are capacitive, such as
Tantalum, or Faradaic, such as Platinum, the electrode itself has an electrode-
electrolyte interface capacitance. The blocking capacitor is connected in series
with this electrode capacitance and the summed capacitance is smaller than
the electrode capacitance alone.

5) Adjust the resting potential of the electrode to accommodate more

charge injection

The amount of charge which a stimulation electrode can safely inject is limited
by the breakdown voltage of electrode-electrolyte interface. The voltage at
stimulation electrode can be measured by referring to a reference electrode.

Refer:
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/9df1/51901b067b2d58de323c36eba386a6aa1fb8.pdf

a capacitor used for stopping the passage of direct current from one circuit to
another while allowing alternating current to pass.

II. Coupling capacitor

In this capacitor application, the component allows only AC signals to pass from one
section of a circuit to another while blocking any DC static voltage. This form of
capacitor application is often required when connecting two stages of an amplifier
together.

It is possible that a constant DC voltage will be present, say on the output of one
stage, and only the alternating signal, audio frequency, radio frequency or whatever

14
is required. If the DC components of the signal at the output of the first stage were
present at the input of the second, then the bias and other operating conditions of
the second stage would be altered.

Even when using operational amplifiers where the

circuit has been designed to provide small offset
R1 R2 voltages, it is often wise to use coupling capacitors
C1 D1 because of the high levels of DC gain present.
C2 Without a coupling capacitor, the high levels of DC
gain could mean that the operational amplifier would
R3 R4 run into saturation.

For capacitor applications of this nature it is

necessary to ensure that the impedance of the capacitor is sufficiently low. Normally
the output impedance of the preceding circuit is higher than the one it is driving,
except for RF circuit, but more of that later. This means that the value of the
capacitor is chosen to be the same as the impedance of the circuit, normally the
input impedance of the second circuit. This gives a drop in response of 3dB at this
frequency.

Important parameters for coupling capacitor uses

Parameter Notes on capacitor use
Capacitor rated voltage Must be greater than the peak voltage across the
capacitor. Normally the capacitor will be able to
withstand the supply rail voltage with margin in hand
to ensure reliability.
Capacitance value High enough to pass lowest frequencies with little or
no attenuation.
Tolerance Wide tolerance capacitors can often be used because
the exact value is not important.
Dielectric Some capacitors, for example electrolytic capacitors
have a limited frequency response, often only up to
frequencies of around 100 kHz maximum. This should
be taken into account. Also for high impedance
applications, electrolytic capacitors should not be
used as they have a relatively high level of leakage
which may offset the operation of the second stage.

III. Decoupling capacitor

In this application, the capacitor is used to remove any AC signals that may be on a
DC bias point, power rail, or other node that needs to be free of a particular varying
signal.

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As the name of this capacitor use indicates, it used to decouple the node from the
varying signal on it.

In this circuit there are two ways in which the

capacitor is used for decoupling. C3 is used to
decouple any signal that may be on the voltage rail.
This type of capacitor must be able to withstand the
supply voltage as well as supplying and absorbing
the levels of current arising from noise on the rail.
Also during switch-off, when the power is removed,
large levels of current may be drawn from this
capacitor dependent upon its value. Tantalum
capacitors are not suitable for this position.

Decoupling is also provided by the combination of capacitor and resistor, C4, R5.
This ensures that the collector signal does not leak through on the signal rail. The
time constant of C4 and R5 is generally the dominating factor and the time constant
should be chosen to be longer than the lowest frequency anticipated.

The type of decoupling used with C5 serves to isolate that particular stage well from
any noise on the rail as well as preventing noise from the circuit passing onto the
supply rail. During switch-off, current from the capacitor is limited by the resistor
R5.
Important parameters for decoupling capacitor uses
Parameter Notes on capacitor use
Capacitor rated voltage Must be greater than the peak voltage across the
capacitor. Normally the capacitor will be able to
withstand the voltage of the node with some margin in
hand to ensure reliability.
Capacitance value High enough to pass lowest frequencies with little or
no attenuation. This can sometimes result is relatively
large values being required. However it is necessary to
consider the frequencies being used. For low
frequencies, large capacitance levels will typically be
required and electrolytic capacitors are often used. If
it is a low current circuit as in the case of C4, R5, a
tantalum capacitor may also be appropriate, but
typically isolated from the main voltage rail via a series
resistor to prevent too much current being drawn as
in the case of C4. For higher frequencies, ceramic
capacitors may also be appropriate.
Tolerance Wide tolerance capacitors can often be used because
the exact value is not important.
Dielectric Some capacitors like electrolytic capacitors have a
relatively low upper frequency limit. Often to overcome

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 this, a capacitor such as a ceramic capacitor with a
smaller value may be used to provide the high
frequency response, while a larger value electrolytic
capacitor is used to pass the lower frequency
components. The lower value ceramic or other
capacitor still presents a low impedance at the higher
frequencies because the reactive impedance is
inversely proportional to the frequency.

IV. RF coupling and decoupling applications

RF coupling and decoupling follow the same basic rules as those needed for the
ordinary coupling and decoupling capacitors. Circuits like the one shown for the
standard coupling and decoupling are often used, and they perform in basically the
same way.

However, when using capacitors for RF applications, it is necessary to consider their

RF performance. This can be different to the performance at lower frequencies.
Normally electrolytic capacitors are not used - their performance falls with increasing
frequency, and they are seldom used for applications above about 100 kHz. Ceramic
capacitors are particularly popular as they possess a good RF performance,
especially the surface mount MLCC capacitors.

The series inductance present in all capacitors to a greater or lesser degree makes
itself felt at some frequencies, forming a resonant circuit with the capacitance.

In general, ceramic capacitors have a high self-resonant frequency, especially the

surface mount capacitors that are very small and have no leads to introduce any
inductance.
Some other types of capacitor could be used, but ceramic capacitors are most widely
used in this application.

V. Smoothing capacitor applications

This is effectively the same as a decoupling capacitor, but the term is normally used
in conjunction with a power supply.
When an incoming line signal is taken through a transformer and a rectifier, the
resulting waveform is not smooth. It varies between zero and the peak voltage. If
applied to a circuit, this is most unlikely to operate as a DC voltage is normally
needed. To overcome this, a capacitor is used to decouple or smooth the output
voltage.
Line Input

Smoothed Output

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VI. Rectifier circuit with smoothing capacitor use as a filter

In this use, the capacitor charges up when the peak voltage exceeds that of the
output voltage, and supplies charge when the rectifier voltage falls below the
capacitor voltage.

In this capacitor use, the component decouples the rail and supplies charge where
needed.

Normally relatively large values of capacitance are required to enable the required
level of current to be supplied. As a result, the most widely used form of capacitor
for this application is the electrolytic capacitor.

Important parameters for smoothing capacitor uses

Parameter Notes on capacitor use

Capacitor rated voltage Must be greater than the peak voltage across the
capacitor. The capacitor must be able to withstand the
maximum peak rail voltage with some margin in hand
to ensure reliability.
Capacitance value Dependent upon the current required, but typically can
be several thousand microfarads.
Tolerance Wide tolerance capacitors can often be used because
the exact value is not important.
Dielectric Electrolytic capacitors are typically used because of the
high values available. Tantalum capacitors, although
they can come in reasonably high values, are not
suitable because of the low level of ripple current they
can tolerate. Ceramic capacitors are not available with
the required level of capacitance.
Ripple current In addition to the capacitor having sufficient
capacitance to hold the required amount of charge, it
must also be constructed in a way to be able to supply
the current required. If the capacitor becomes too hot
when delivering the current it may be damaged and fail.
Ripple current ratings are particularly important on
capacitors used for smoothing applications. Electrolytic
capacitors are normally used, but even these must have
their ripple current ratings checked for suitability.

VII. Capacitor use as a timing element

In this application a capacitor can be used with a resistor or inductor in a resonant
or time dependent circuit. In this function the capacitor may appear in a filter,
oscillator tuned circuit, or in a timing element for a circuit such as an a-stable, the
time it takes to charge and discharge determining the operation of the circuit LC or

18
RC oscillators and filters are widely used in a host of circuits, and obviously one of
the major elements is the capacitor.

In this particular capacitor use, one of the main requirements is for accuracy, and
therefore the initial tolerance is important to ensure that the circuit operates on the
required frequency. Temperature stability is also important to ensure that the
performance of the circuit remains the same over the required temperature range.

Important Parameters For Timing Capacitor Uses

Parameter Notes on capacitor use

Capacitor rated voltage The actual peak voltage across the capacitor will vary
according to the particular circuit and the rail voltage.
It is necessary to assess each case on its own merits,
noting that in some cases it may be higher than
expected. In most cases it is unlikely to exceed the rail
voltage.
Capacitance value Dependent upon the frequencies used and the inductor
or resistor needed to obtain the required operating
frequency.
Tolerance Close tolerance normally needed to ensure that the
required operating frequency is obtained. In this
application, capacitors with a good selection of values
within each decade may be an advantage.
Dielectric In many timing applications, the capacitor loss is
important. High loss equates to low Q, and Q values
should normally be as high as possible. There are many
dielectrics that provide a suitable level of performance.
Many ceramic capacitor dielectrics are able to provide
high levels of stability these days. Also plastic film
capacitors can offer high levels of performance. Silver
mica capacitors are also used, especially in RF circuits.
Although quite expensive, these silver mica capacitors
offer high levels of performance: high Q; high stability;
low loss; and close tolerance.
Temperature stability The temperature stability of the capacitor should be
high for these capacitor applications because the circuit
will need to retain its frequency over the operating
temperature range. If the value changes with
temperature, even by a small amount, this can have a
marked effect on the operation of the circuit.

VIII. Hold-up capacitor applications

In this particular capacitor application, the charge held by the capacitor is used to
provide power for a circuit for a short while.

19
In the past small rechargeable batteries may have been used, but they often suffered
from issues of memory effects and life limitation, so capacitors can offer a viable
alternative. Nowadays, super capacitors offer huge levels of capacitance and they are
now sufficiently large to enable many circuits to remain powered during periods
where the mains power is unavailable. They are relatively cheap and offer a great
level of performance.

Important Parameters For Hold-Up Capacitor Uses

Parameter Notes On Capacitor Use

Capacitor rated voltage Must be able to withstand the maximum operating voltage
with a good margin for reliability.

Capacitance value Can be up to several Farads

Tolerance Super capacitors widely used for this capacitor application

have a wide tolerance. Fortunately this is not an issue as it
primarily affects the time the hold-up can be maintained.

Super capacitors are often used for battery hold up

applications

IX. Capacitor application choices

The choice of capacitor is often essential to the operation of a circuit. Knowing how
a capacitor will be used and how its performance and parameters relate to the
operation of the circuit, mean that some capacitors perform better than others in
different applications. Selecting the right capacitor for any given application is an
essential and very important part of the circuit design.

Basic Trouble of Capacitor

20
Test a Capacitor By Analog Multimeter

To check a capacitor by AVO (Ampere, voltage, Ohm Meter ), follow the following
steps.

Make sure the suspected capacitor is fully discharged.

Take an AVO meter.

 Select analog meter on OHM (Always, select the higher range of Ohms).
 Connect the Meter leads to the Capacitor terminals.
 Note The reading and Compare with the following results.
 Short Capacitors: Shorted Capacitor will show very low Resistance.
 Open Capacitors: An Open Capacitor will not show any movement
(Deflection) on OHM meter Screen.
 Good Capacitors: Initially, it will show low resistance, and then gradually
increases toward the infinite. It means that Capacitor is in Good Condition.

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 What’s More

Activity 4

Direction: Answer the following problems given below. Use the activity sheets for
your answer.

Suppose, we have to decode the capacitance value of the ceramic capacitor below,
what is its capacitance value?

1. 2. 3.

What I Have Learned

Activity 5

Direction: Do what is asked. Use the activity sheets for your answer.

1.) Decode a capacitor

2.) Discuss the common applications of a capacitor.
3.) What are the basic troubles of a capacitor?

22
 What I Can Do

Activity 5

Direction: Answer the following questions given below. Use the activity sheets for
your answer.

1.) State the correct procedures in checking defective/good capacitor.

2.) Why do you think a capacitor that has an oil leak can still be used in the
circuit?
3.) Enumerate at least 5 different types of capacitors and give its application.

4.) What is the main purpose of coupling capacitor in amplifier?

Assessment

Direction: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer.
Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.

1) The Mark on Ceramic or Non-Polarized Capacitors is “104”. What is the value

of Capacitor?
a. 104 µF
b. 10000 µF
c. 100000 pF
d. 10000 nF

2) What is the value of the below disk ceramic capacitor?

a. 400pF, +/- 5% tolerance
b. 250pF, +/- 2% tolerance
c. 300pF, +/- 4% tolerance
d. 100nF, +/- 2% tolerance

23
3) What is the reading of the below capacitor?
a. 46 x 10pF, +/-5% Tolerance, 250 Volts
b. 50 x 100pF, +/-2% Tolerance, 100 Volts
c. 35 x 10uF, +/-1% Tolerance, 60 Volts
d. 50 x 100nF, +/-4% Tolerance, 250 Volts

4) A capacitor passes AC and blocks DC

a. maybe
b. false
c. true
d. not sure

5.) In what field does a capacitor work?

6.) capacitance
7.) magnetic Field
8.) electric Field
9.) resistor

6.) What is the Energy stored in the capacitor?

a. ¼ CV
b. ½ CV
c. CV2
d. ½ CV2

7.) What is the range Value of ESR for actual capacitors?

a. milli ohms to ohms
b. micro ohms to milli ohms
c. ohms to mega ohms
d. nano Ohms to Ohms

8.) What is the Capacitance measurement of a capacitor?

a. resist flow of current
b. allow voltage
c. allow flow of current
d. store charge

9.) How does a capacitor act when DC voltage is applied?

a. acts as a short circuit
b. acts as an open circuit from the beginning
c. acts as a short circuit at the instance of applied voltage and then as
an open circuit once fully charged
d. act as open circuit

24
 10.) What is the use of Capacitors in electric power supply system?
a. improve power factor
b. reduce line current
c. provide voltage stability
d. all of these

11.) What type of capacitor allows ac signals to pass while blocking dc signals?
a. filter
b. bypass
c. coupling
d. decoupling

12.) For high frequencies, capacitor acts as ______

a. open circuit
b. amplifier
c. short circuit
d. rectifier

13.) How does a capacitor act on high frequencies?

a. rectifier
b. short circuit
c. amplifier
d. open circuit

14.) What does a discharged capacitor has on its plates?

a. equal
b. no
c. unequal
d. negative

15.) What is the most common type of non-polarized capacitor.

a. transistor
b. ceramic capacitor
c. electrolytic capacitor
d. potentiometer

25
 Additional Activities

Decode the numerical value of the following capacitors.

1. 2. 3 4. 5.
.

26
 27
What I Know What's More Assessment
1. D 1) 680 pF 1. C
2. A 2) 0.0022 µF 2. B
3. B 3) 0.1 µF 3. A
4. A 4. C
5. B 5. C
6. A 6. D
7. A 7. A
8. B 8. D
9. A 9. C
10.D 10.D
11.B 11.A
12.D 12.C
13.B 13.C
14.A 14.D
15.A 15.B
Answer Key
References

Deped Curriculum Guide

Trip Adler, Founder & CEO, Scribd.com, Capacitor Characteristics,

https://www.scribd.com/document/369908133/Extracts-ABC-of-Capacitors-
Capacitor-Characteristics, (Accessed on May 22, 2020)

watelectronics, Different Types of Capacitors and Its Uses,

https://www.watelectronics.com/different-types-of-capacitors-applications,
(Accessed on May 22, 2020)

electronics-tutorials, Types of Capacitor, https://www.electronics-

tutorials.ws/capacitor/cap_2.html, (Accessed on May 22, 2020)

Kynix Semi Conductor Electronics, Capacitors,

http://www.apogeeweb.net/article/118.html, (Accessed on May 22, 2020)

28
 DISCLAIMER
This Self-learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN
with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal.
Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning
Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material to be used by all
learners of Region XII in all public schools beginning SY 2020-2021. The
process of LR development was observed in the production of this module.
This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback, comments,
and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

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