Distributed capacitance is the inherent capacitance present in any electrical system due to the physical arrangement of its components and their proximity to each other. It is also known as parasitic capacitance.
Distributed capacitance can cause unwanted coupling between different parts of a circuit, leading to interference and signal degradation. It can also create delays in the transmission of signals and affect the overall performance of the circuit.
The main factors that contribute to distributed capacitance are the physical size and shape of the conductors, their spacing, and the dielectric properties of the materials used in the circuit.
Distributed capacitance can be calculated using the capacitance formula, C = Q/V, where C is the capacitance in Farads, Q is the charge in Coulombs, and V is the voltage across the capacitor. However, in complex systems, it is often estimated through simulations and modeling.
There are several ways to reduce distributed capacitance in a circuit, including decreasing the spacing between conductors, using low-dielectric constant materials, and adding shielding or ground planes to isolate sensitive components. Proper layout and design techniques can also help minimize the effects of distributed capacitance.