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Film Capacitors

A film capacitor, also referred to as a “plastic dielectric capacitor”, is a capacitor consisting of two electrodes separated by a dielectric film. This type of capacitor is an electrical component used in many electronic applications and is one of the types commonly found in modern electronic devices.

Application Field

Film capacitors are most commonly used in the electronics industry due to their ability to store electrical energy and their minimal size and weight. They are used in many electronic applications such as automotive, communications, industrial and consumer electronics, power supplies, and audio equipment.

Film capacitors are employed in AC and DC high-voltage applications and, as a means of EMI/RFI filtering. They can be placed directly on the printed circuit board (PCB) in a variety of sizes to provide cost effective solutions.

In AC applications, film capacitors are employed for line filtering, motor run applications, voltage stabilisation, energy storage, surge protection and for peak current dissipation.

In DC applications, film capacitors are used for output filtering, energy storage, inrush current suppression, holding charge, voltage regulation, DC bus filtering and spike suppression.

Working Principle

The functioning of a film capacitor is similar to that of an electrolytic capacitor with the major difference being the higher dielectric strength, better temperature stability and lower leakage current of the film dielectric in comparison the electrolyte dielectric.

Film capacitors are typically constructed using polypropylene or polyester film as the dielectric and are covered with a metallic film that acts as the electrodes. In most cases, the two film electrodes are separated by the dielectric material, with the metallic film acting as a polarising layer to maintain the capacitors polarity. The capacitance of the capacitor is determined by the area of the film covered by the electrodes and the distance between them.

The electrical operation of a film capacitor depends upon the orientation of electrodes: when an external electrical field is applied across the electrodes of the capacitor, the electric field between them produces displacement of charge, resulting in a separation of positive and negative charges. The charges stored in the capacitor remain until the capacitor is discharged, which occurs when an external circuit is attached to the capacitors electrodes and the potential of that circuit is lower than the potential stored on the capacitor.

Film capacitors can handle high voltage and currents, including high frequency applications. This makes them a great choice for power applications such as power supplies, communications, audio systems and more.

Film capacitors are a reliable, cost effective solution for many applications. Their small size, low profile and wide temperature range also make them ideal for a variety of applications.

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