What do the numbers on a capacitor mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the numbers and letters printed on a capacitor, specifically focusing on the meaning of "225," "PC," "330," and "4." Participants explore various interpretations related to capacitance values, voltage ratings, and capacitor types, including electrolytic and polymer capacitors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that "225" indicates a capacitance of 2.2 μF, derived from the formula "225 = 22 x 10^5 pF."
  • Others argue that "330" refers to a capacitance of 330 μF, with the "4" being questioned in terms of its relation to voltage rating.
  • One participant suggests that the "PC" denotes a polymer capacitor, while another insists that it is an electrolytic capacitor.
  • There is a claim that the voltage rating is likely 33V, with "D" representing tolerance, contradicting the earlier assertion of a 330V rating.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the interpretation of the "R. Capacitance" and the failure to measure the capacitance accurately, with one participant reporting a measurement of 41 nF.
  • Links to data sheets are provided, but they do not clarify how to interpret all markings on the capacitor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the interpretation of the capacitor markings, with multiple competing views on the capacitance value and voltage rating remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainty about the meaning of the "4" in relation to voltage rating and the interpretation of "R. Capacitance." There are also unresolved issues regarding the accuracy of capacitance measurements.

MisterX
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The numbers seem to read
225
PC
330
4
What does it mean? Someone told me
"225 = 22 x 10^5 pF = 2.2 μF"
with 330 V being the potential rating
"PC" = polymer cap
Is this correct?
oj7S2Ke.jpg
 
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MisterX said:
The numbers seem to read
225
PC
330
4
What does it mean? Someone told me
"225 = 22 x 10^5 pF = 2.2 μF"
with 330 V being the potential rating
"PC" = polymer cap
Is this correct?
oj7S2Ke.jpg
yes 2.2uF

it's an electrolytic

I think you will find its 33 D

33V and the D will be a tolerance

I can absolutely, utterly, beyond all shadow of a doubt, guarantee it isn't 330 VDave
 
davenn said:
yes 2.2uF

it's an electrolytic

I think you will find its 33 D

33V and the D will be a tolerance

I can absolutely, utterly, beyond all shadow of a doubt, guarantee it isn't 330 VDave
I think maybe this is a Panasonic aluminum capacitor, the first number is lot ID. I think it might be 330 uF similar to these
http://www.reichelt.de/Elkos-SMD-Lowest-ESR-PXA-SVP/SVP-330-16/3/index.html
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic/2R5SVPE330MY
Data sheet
http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/315/AAB8000C179-944382.pdf
Unfortunately I think I already ordered the wrong parts. The data sheet at least tells us what each row means but doesn't tell us how to interpret "R. Capacitance"

My attempts to actually measure the capacitance have failed (my meter showed 41 nF I believe).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yup, good call, looks like I was mistaken :smile:
that top row is the lot #

MisterX said:
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic/2R5SVPE330MY
MisterX said:
but doesn't tell us how to interpret "R. Capacitance"

well that's easy ... it's a general electrolytic type, the capacitance is in uF ... you won't find that style in pF or nF

so 330uF

I just don't see how to relate the bottom line "4" to the voltage rating tho ??Dave
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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