Capacitor Comparisons: Quality Control, Testing, and Brand Names

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the differences in capacitors, particularly regarding quality control, testing specifications, and brand names. Participants compare the value of a $30 1.5 farad capacitor versus a $170 1 farad capacitor, emphasizing the importance of equivalent series resistance (ESR) and actuation time in capacitor selection. The Time Constant formula, R*C, is highlighted as crucial for determining the charging and discharging rates necessary for specific applications. The conversation suggests that the choice of capacitor depends significantly on the intended use, especially in design projects requiring precise timing.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor specifications, including equivalent series resistance (ESR)
  • Familiarity with the Time Constant formula (R*C)
  • Knowledge of quality control processes in electronic component manufacturing
  • Awareness of different capacitor brands and their reputations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of equivalent series resistance (ESR) on capacitor performance
  • Learn about capacitor testing methods and quality control standards
  • Explore the differences between various capacitor brands and their specifications
  • Investigate design considerations for capacitors in timing applications
USEFUL FOR

Electronics engineers, hobbyists designing circuits, and anyone involved in selecting capacitors for specific applications, particularly in audio systems or timing-sensitive projects.

foahtein
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Can anyone tell me the difference in capacitors. Such as the quality control in producing it, the testings, the specs (low esr), brand names, and if its worth buying a 30 dollars 1.5 farad capacitor v.s. a 170 dollars 1 farad capacitor.

thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/caps/caps.html" , they got a complete info on capacitors.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Let me guess foahtein, you're into car audio right?
 
thanks for the information, and averagesupernova, I'm not into car audio. I know that majority of the people who purchase cap's are into car audio, but I'm doing a design project that need a cap to have an actuation time of less than 1 sec.
 
Well, if you need the capacitor to have a discharging/charging rate of 1 sec, you need to evaluate:

Time Constant = R*C = Time to reach 63% of final value
 
Hmmmm. Actuation time meaning what? More info please. Depending on what you are doing, the ESR and other things might not mean a darn thing.
 

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