MC12CD040D-TF

Mica and PTFE capacitors, such as the MC12CD040D-TF, are non-polarized capacitors made of mica and polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE) and are usually charged with DC. They are often referred to as High Voltage Capacitors as they are designed to withstand extreme voltage conditions, up to 2 kHz and >0.2 kV. Being non-polarized, they can be utilized in any circuit configuration, thereby allowing for greater flexibility in electronics design.

The utility of these capacitors is due to their ability to store electrical energy by trapping a substantial amount of electric charge in a relatively small volume. This process of storing electric charge occurs due to the polarized nature of the capacitor material, such as mica. The electric field generated between the positive mica terminal and the negative PTFE facing creates a stabilized electrical imbalance, which reduces the rate of charge cycling, permitting the capacitor to store large amounts of energy with low losses.

When in a static DC environment, MC12CD040D-TF capacitors can store and release electrical charges. This is caused by an applied voltage potential across the two terminals; with the anode terminal receiving the positive charge and the cathode terminal receiving the negative attributed charge. As the applied voltage increases, the PTFE facing absorbs the majority of the charge energy, while allowing the anode to retain its positive field. When the voltage potential reduces, the energy stored by the PTFE facing is released, producing a reversed polarity. The anode then assumes a negative charge, equal in magnitude to the positive charge applied.

Due to their polarization and high voltage tolerance, MC12CD040D-TF capacitors can be used in high-voltage DC circuit applications such as filter networks, bypass arrays, and signal-processing circuits. Their efficient energy storage and dissipation properties make them perfect for use in devices that require high levels of efficiency and sustained levels of performance, such as communication infrastructure, HF broadcasting, and power distribution systems.

Their small physical size, low cost, and long-term stability makes them extremely popular for use in electronics applications where space is a concern, such as medical equipment, consumer electronics, and avionics systems. MC12CD040D-TF capacitors have also found application in AC power line filtering, radio frequency matching, and voltage dividing.

In summary, Mica and PTFE capacitors represent a significant accomplishment in capacitor design and technology. The MC12CD040D-TF is a particularly popular model, due to its wide application field, long-term stability and efficient energy storage/dissipation capability. As a result, it is a widely used component in both commercial and industrial electronics, where it finds applications in such diverse areas as communication infrastructure, signal-processing circuits, HF broadcasting, and medical equipment.