Simon Ndiritu, Author at

Applications of Capacitors in Solar Power Systems

As solar power systems become more advanced and widespread, the need for efficient and stable energy management continues to grow. One of the often-overlooked components that play a vital role in system performance is the capacitor. Capacitors are essential in managing voltage stability, filtering electrical noise, and supporting critical power electronics. Their applications span across …

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HVAC Capacitor: Uses, Testing, and Replacement Tips

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor applications, Types of capacitors / motor run capacitor, start capacitor

A HVAC capacitor, also commonly known as an AC capacitor, plays a critical role in helping your system run efficiently. These components provide the necessary start-up power to motors and ensure smooth operation. Over time, these capacitors can degrade or fail, leading to poor performance or system shutdowns. Knowing how to properly test and replace …

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Ceramic Trimmer Capacitors: Construction and Applications

By Simon Ndiritu / Types of capacitors / ceramic trimmer capacitor, trimmer capacitor, variable capacitor

Ceramic trimmer capacitors are small, adjustable capacitors commonly used for fine-tuning electronic circuits. They achieve capacitance adjustment by altering the position of a ceramic dielectric material between their plates. These capacitors find applications such as RF circuits, oscillators, and communication devices, where precise frequency or signal adjustments are necessary. In this article, we will explore …

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Variable Capacitors: Types, Construction and Uses

By Simon Ndiritu / Types of capacitors / air variable capacitor, trimmer capacitor, vacuum variable capacitor, variable capacitor

Figure shows some of the common variable capacitor symbols including ceramic trimmer capacitors

Variable capacitors are adjustable components that play a crucial role in many electronic circuits. There are different variable capacitor types and their adjustability makes them suitable for various applications including tuning circuits, oscillators, and filters. The working principle of a variable capacitor entails varying the distance between plates or the overlap of plates to change …

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Motor Run Capacitor: Applications and Failure Modes

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor applications / film capacitors, motor run capacitor, start capacitor

Figure shows a circuit with a motor start capacitor and a motor run capacitor

A motor run capacitor is an essential component in the operation of single phase electric motors. Unlike motor start capacitors, which are only active during startup, motor run capacitors remain engaged while the motor operates, providing a continuous phase shift and improved power factor. These capacitors are essential in applications requiring stable operation, reduced energy …

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Motor Start Capacitor: Functions, Applications, and Failure Modes

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor applications / aluminum electrolytic capacitors, start capacitor

A motor start capacitor is an essential component in single-phase electric motors. It provides the extra torque needed to start the motor under load. This capacitor creates a temporary phase shift in the electrical supply, generating a stronger rotating magnetic field to initiate motor operation. Start capacitors have a high capacitance value, typically ranging from …

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Capacitor Failure Modes and Mechanisms

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor characteristics / aluminum electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, leakage current

Figure shows how the lifetime of a capacitor decreasing with an increase in temperature

Capacitor failure is a critical issue in electronic systems. It often leads to degraded circuit performance or complete malfunction. Common failure modes include open circuits, short circuits, loss of capacitance, increased leakage current, and dielectric breakdown. These failures can arise from various mechanisms, such as electrical overstress, thermal degradation, mechanical stress, and environmental factors like …

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Multilayer ceramic capacitor failure modes

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor characteristics / ceramic capacitors, insulation resistance, leakage current

The figure shows a plot of the insulation resistance of a multilayer ceramic capacitor as a function of time.

Multilayer ceramic capacitor failure modes Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are essential components in modern electronics. They are valued for their reliability, compact size, and efficiency. Despite their widespread use, these components are susceptible to degradation and even failure. This article breaks down common multilayer ceramic capacitor failure modes including low insulation resistance (IR), low capacitance, …

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Aluminum electrolytic capacitors failure modes

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor characteristics / aluminum electrolytic capacitors, dissipation factor, ESR, leakage current

Dissipation factor of an electrolytic capacitor increasing over time due to degradation

Aluminum electrolytic capacitor failure modes Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for energy storage and filtering. Despite their reliability, these capacitors can fail due to various mechanisms. Understanding these failure mechanisms and modes can help prevent circuit issues and improve design longevity. In mission critical applications, engineers often prevent electrolytic capacitor failure …

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Volumetric Efficiency of a Capacitor

By Simon Ndiritu / Capacitor characteristics / volumetric efficiency

Figure shows a plot of capacitance against capacitor volume

Volumetric Efficiency of a Capacitor The volumetric efficiency of a capacitor is vital for its performance in circuits. This parameter is crucial in the design of portable systems or densely populated circuit boards, where achieving high capacitance in compact dimensions is essential. In this article, we explore what volumetric efficiency means for capacitors, factors influencing …

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