In this article, we will examine the process by which capacitors are made. Finally, we’ll explore the role of capacitors, what they do in various electronic circuits, and how the capacitor manufacturers produce them.
What is a Capacitor?
A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. A capacitor consists of two conductors (called “plates”) separated by an insulating material (called the “dielectric”). An electric field is created across the dielectric when a voltage is applied to the two plates. This field stores energy, which can be released when the voltage is removed.
Capacitors are used in various electronic devices, including radios, TVs, computers, and cell phones. They are also used in power supplies to filter out unwanted AC signals.
How are Capacitors Made?
A capacitor’s manufacturing process begins with the conductive plates’ creation. These plates are usually made from metal foil or another conductive material. Once the plates are created, they’re placed into a machine that punches holes.
After punching the holes, the plates are placed into an etching solution that removes unwanted material. When completed, the plates are rinsed and dried.
The next step is to apply the insulating material to the plates. This material is typically a paper or plastic film, then cut to size and placed between the conductive plates.
How to Know if your Capacitor is Good?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know too much about capacitors. But if you have any electronic devices in your home, they likely contain one or more capacitors. So how do you know if they’re any good?
The easiest way is to check its capacitance with a multimeter. This measures the amount of charge the capacitor can hold and is typically given in microfarads (µF). If the reading is close to the value printed on the capacitor, it’s probably still good.
