What is a metallized polyester film capacitor?
What is a polyester film capacitor
A polyester film capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in a capacitor made from a thin layer of polyester film. Polyester film capacitors are also known as Mylar capacitors, named after the brand name of the original polyester film produced by DuPont.
Polyester film capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits due to their low cost, high stability, and excellent insulating properties. They can withstand high temperatures and have a low dielectric loss, meaning that they can store energy efficiently and with minimal loss. They are commonly used in applications such as filters, timing circuits, and coupling circuits.
Polyester film capacitors are available in a range of values and voltage ratings. They can be polarized or non-polarized, depending on their construction, and they are typically small in size, making them ideal for use in compact electronic devices.
What is a metallized polyester film capacitor
A metallized polyester film capacitor is an electronic component that is commonly used in a wide range of electrical and electronic circuits. It is made up of a thin layer of polyester film that is coated with a metal layer, usually aluminum, on both sides. The metal layers act as electrodes, which are connected to the leads of the capacitor.
The capacitor works by storing electric charge on the metal layers, separated by the polyester film. When a voltage is applied across the capacitor, the charge is stored on the metal layers, which creates an electric field in the space between the layers. The value of the capacitance is determined by the thickness of the polyester film, the area of the metal layers, and the distance between the layers.
Metallized polyester film capacitors are known for their high reliability, stability, and low cost. They are commonly used in circuits where high frequency operation is required, such as in power supplies, audio amplifiers, and signal processing circuits. They are also used in many consumer electronics applications, such as in television sets, radios, and other electronic devices.
What are the applications for metallized polyester film capacitors
Metallized polyester film capacitors, also known as polyester film capacitors or Mylar capacitors, are commonly used in a wide range of electronic applications due to their high reliability, low cost, and excellent electrical properties. Some of the most common applications of metallized polyester film capacitors include:
1.Power supplies: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in power supplies to filter out high-frequency noise and provide stable DC voltage.
2.Audio equipment: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in audio equipment to improve sound quality by filtering out unwanted frequencies and providing smooth signal transmission.
3.Lighting: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in lighting circuits to provide power factor correction, which improves the efficiency of the circuit and reduces energy consumption.
4.Motor start and run capacitors: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in motor circuits to provide a burst of energy to start the motor and then maintain a steady current flow during operation.
5.Consumer electronics: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in a variety of consumer electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, and mobile phones, to filter out electromagnetic interference and provide stable voltage.
6.Industrial equipment: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in various industrial equipment, such as power inverters and welding machines, to improve efficiency and reliability.
7.Filter circuits: These capacitors are used in filter circuits for noise suppression and ripple filtering.
8.Timing circuits: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in timing circuits for their excellent stability and accuracy.
9.Motor start and run circuits: These capacitors are used in motor start and run circuits for their high reliability and long life.
10.Snubber circuits: Metallized polyester film capacitors are used in snubber circuits for high-frequency noise reduction and voltage spike suppression.
11.DC blocking and coupling circuits: These capacitors are used in DC blocking and coupling circuits for their low loss and high insulation resistance.
Overall, metallized polyester film capacitors are widely used in various electronic applications due to their excellent performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Are metallized polyester film capacitors polarized?
Metallized polyester film capacitors are usually not polarized, meaning they can be connected in either direction in a circuit without any concern for polarity. This is because the dielectric material used in these capacitors is a non-polar material, which means it does not have a positive or negative charge.
However, it's important to note that some metallized polyester film capacitors may be designed specifically for DC (direct current) applications, and in those cases, they may have a marking indicating a polarity. In general, if a metallized polyester film capacitor has a marking indicating a positive and negative lead, it should be connected with the correct polarity.
It's always important to check the datasheet or specifications for the particular capacitor you are using to determine whether it is polarized or not. If in doubt, it is best to consult an expert in the field or the manufacturer of the capacitor for guidance.
Metallized polyester film capacitor datasheet
Here is an example of a datasheet for a metallized polyester film capacitor:
Electrical Characteristics:
Capacitance: 1uF
Tolerance: ±10%
Rated voltage: 100VDC
Temperature range: -40°C to +105°C
Insulation resistance: >10,000 MΩ
Dissipation factor: 0.1% max at 1kHz and 25°C
Mechanical Characteristics:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.5mm x 4.5mm x 2.0mm
Lead spacing: 5mm
Lead diameter: 0.6mm
Encapsulation: Radial box
Weight: 0.18g
Other Characteristics:
RoHS compliant
Self-healing
High reliability
Long life expectancy
Please note that this is just an example, and actual specifications may vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. It is always important to refer to the datasheet provided by the manufacturer for accurate and up-to-date information.
The lifetime of a metallized polyester film capacitor
The lifetime of a metallized polyester film capacitor can depend on various factors such as the operating conditions, the quality of the capacitor, and the specific application for which it is used.
Metallized polyester film capacitors are generally known for their high reliability and long operating life. With proper usage and storage, they can last for many years, typically up to 10,000 hours or more.
However, the lifetime of a capacitor can be affected by factors such as temperature, voltage, humidity, and the quality of the materials used in its construction.
Higher operating temperatures and voltages can cause a capacitor to degrade more quickly, while exposure to high levels of humidity can lead to corrosion and other forms of damage.
In addition, factors such as manufacturing defects, improper storage or handling, and excessive mechanical stress can also shorten the lifetime of a capacitor.
Therefore, it is important to choose high-quality capacitors and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for operating conditions, storage, and handling to ensure maximum lifetime and reliability.
