Capacitors

Uses

1. Used to smooth out voltage fluctuations on sources

   • a.k.a. bypass cap (since it bypasses the effect of a switched load on supply rail)
   • a.k.a. Decoupling cap (since it decouples AC)

2. Used to block DC

   • a.k.a. Coupling Caps (since it couples AC)

3. Used to filter AC signals

Types of Capacitors

Based on polarization

• Non-polarized
  • Normal double playe symbol
• Polarized
  • Double plate with anode marked
  • Flat plate with anode marked and curved plate
  • Flat plate and curved plate
  • NOTE: Curved plate means negative

Based on form
1. Ceramic Disc Capacitors (non-polarized)
2. MLCCs (Multi Layered Ceramic Capacitors) (non-polarized)
3. Electrolytic Capacitors (polarized)
4. Plastic Film Capacitors (non-polarized)

• Ceramic Disc and MLCCs are used for power supply decoupling.
• Electrolytic capacitors are used in parallel and in bulk to filter power supplies.
• Other capacitors are used for their properties like self-healing