What are the types of capacitors?

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(1) Fixed capacitance

As the name suggests, a fixed capacitor is a type of capacitor that creates a fixed-capacity capacitor. This means that it can only store a predetermined amount of charge in it. Further fixed capacitors can be classified according to the dielectric materials used between the conductive plates, such as paper capacitors, plastic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, etc.

(2) Variable capacitors

Capacitors whose capacitance value can be changed electronically or mechanically are called variable capacitors. A variable capacitor consists of a fixed plate and a variable plate. By changing the distance between the two plates, the capacitance can be changed. These capacitors are used in antennas for impedance matching.

Specifically, it is divided into:

(1) Polarized capacitors

Polarized capacitors are capacitors with predefined pin polarity. Before connecting a polarity capacitor to a circuit, the polarity of the capacitor pin must be kept in mind. The most common polarized capacitors are electrolytic capacitors.

(2) Non-polarizing capacitors

Non-polar capacitors can be connected directly to the circuit regardless of the polarity of the pins. This means that non-polar capacitors do not have any assumed pin polarity. They are also known as bipolar capacitors.

(3) Tuned capacitors

A tuning capacitor or tuning capacitor consists of a stator, a rotor, and a rack. The stator is a fixed component and the rotor moves with the help of a movable shaft. When the rotor blades enter the stator slot, they act like capacitor plates. The capacitance value is maximum when the moving vane is attached to the stator groove, and the minimum capacitance value when the moving vane is away from the groove. The capacitance values of tuned capacitors range from a few picofarads to tens of picofarads. They are mainly used in LC circuits in radio receivers.

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