Popular Capacitors in Stock and Their Prices
I. Introduction
Capacitors are fundamental components in electronic circuits, serving as energy storage devices that can release energy when needed. They play a crucial role in various applications, from filtering and smoothing power supplies to timing and coupling signals in audio equipment. This article aims to explore popular capacitor models currently in stock, their specifications, and their price ranges, providing a comprehensive guide for hobbyists, engineers, and anyone interested in electronics.
II. Types of Capacitors
Capacitors come in various types, each with unique characteristics and applications. Understanding these types is essential for selecting the right capacitor for a specific project.
A. Electrolytic Capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are polarized components that typically offer high capacitance values in a relatively small package. They are widely used in power supply circuits, audio applications, and energy storage.
Characteristics: High capacitance, voltage rating, and relatively low cost.
Common Applications: Power supply filtering, decoupling, and audio signal coupling.
B. Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are non-polarized and are known for their stability and reliability. They are available in various capacitance values and voltage ratings.
Characteristics: Small size, low equivalent series resistance (ESR), and high-frequency performance.
Common Applications: Decoupling, filtering, and timing circuits.
C. Film Capacitors
Film capacitors use a thin plastic film as the dielectric material. They are known for their excellent stability and low loss characteristics.
Characteristics: Non-polarized, high voltage ratings, and long lifespan.
Common Applications: Audio applications, timing circuits, and power electronics.
D. Tantalum Capacitors
Tantalum capacitors are known for their high capacitance-to-volume ratio and stable electrical characteristics. They are often used in compact electronic devices.
Characteristics: High capacitance, stable voltage ratings, and small size.
Common Applications: Mobile devices, computers, and medical equipment.
E. Supercapacitors
Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, can store a large amount of energy and are used in applications requiring rapid charge and discharge cycles.
Characteristics: Very high capacitance, fast charging, and long cycle life.
Common Applications: Energy storage systems, backup power supplies, and regenerative braking systems.
III. Popular Capacitor Models
Now that we have an understanding of the different types of capacitors, let's explore some popular models currently in stock, along with their specifications and price ranges.
A. Electrolytic Capacitors
1. Nichicon UHE Series
Specifications: Available in capacitance values ranging from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 450V.
Price Range: $0.10 to $2.00 per unit, depending on capacitance and voltage rating.
2. Panasonic FR Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 450V.
Price Range: $0.15 to $2.50 per unit.
B. Ceramic Capacitors
1. Murata GRM Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1pF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 100V.
Price Range: $0.05 to $1.50 per unit.
2. Kemet C4 Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 16V to 100V.
Price Range: $0.10 to $1.20 per unit.
C. Film Capacitors
1. WIMA MKS Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 250V to 630V.
Price Range: $0.20 to $3.00 per unit.
2. Vishay BC Components
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 250V to 1000V.
Price Range: $0.25 to $3.50 per unit.
D. Tantalum Capacitors
1. Kemet T491 Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 50V.
Price Range: $0.50 to $5.00 per unit.
2. AVX TPS Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 50V.
Price Range: $0.60 to $5.50 per unit.
E. Supercapacitors
1. Maxwell Technologies BMOD Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1F to 5000F, voltage ratings from 2.5V to 3.0V.
Price Range: $5.00 to $100.00 per unit.
2. Panasonic EEC Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1F to 5000F, voltage ratings from 2.5V to 3.0V.
Price Range: $6.00 to $120.00 per unit.
IV. Factors Influencing Capacitor Prices
Several factors influence the pricing of capacitors, including:
A. Material and Manufacturing Processes
The materials used in capacitor construction, such as tantalum, aluminum, or ceramic, significantly affect the cost. Additionally, the complexity of the manufacturing process can lead to variations in pricing.
B. Capacitance and Voltage Ratings
Higher capacitance and voltage ratings typically result in higher prices. Capacitors designed for specialized applications or extreme conditions may also command a premium.
C. Brand Reputation and Reliability
Well-known brands with a reputation for quality and reliability often charge more for their products. Engineers and manufacturers may prefer these brands to ensure performance and longevity.
D. Market Demand and Supply Chain Issues
Market demand can fluctuate based on trends in electronics, leading to price changes. Supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by global events, can also impact availability and pricing.
V. Where to Buy Capacitors
Finding the right capacitors for your projects can be done through various channels:
A. Online Retailers
1. **Digi-Key**: A leading distributor of electronic components, offering a vast selection of capacitors with detailed specifications.
2. **Mouser Electronics**: Another major distributor with a wide range of capacitors and competitive pricing.
3. **Newark**: A reliable source for electronic components, including capacitors, with a focus on customer service.
B. Local Electronic Component Stores
Local stores may carry a selection of capacitors, allowing for immediate purchase and support from knowledgeable staff.
C. Wholesale Distributors
For bulk purchases, wholesale distributors can provide significant savings, especially for businesses or large projects.
VI. Conclusion
In summary, capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits, and understanding the various types and models available is crucial for selecting the right one for your needs. This article has highlighted popular capacitor models, their specifications, and price ranges, providing a valuable resource for anyone involved in electronics.
As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about market trends and new capacitor technologies will help ensure that you make the best choices for your projects. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional engineer, the right capacitor can make all the difference in the performance and reliability of your electronic designs.
VII. References
1. Digi-Key Electronics. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Digi-Key](https://www.digikey.com)
2. Mouser Electronics. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Mouser](https://www.mouser.com)
3. Newark. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Newark](https://www.newark.com)
4. Kemet. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Kemet](https://www.kemet.com)
5. Panasonic. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Panasonic](https://www.panasonic.com)
Popular Capacitors in Stock and Their Prices
I. Introduction
Capacitors are fundamental components in electronic circuits, serving as energy storage devices that can release energy when needed. They play a crucial role in various applications, from filtering and smoothing power supplies to timing and coupling signals in audio equipment. This article aims to explore popular capacitor models currently in stock, their specifications, and their price ranges, providing a comprehensive guide for hobbyists, engineers, and anyone interested in electronics.
II. Types of Capacitors
Capacitors come in various types, each with unique characteristics and applications. Understanding these types is essential for selecting the right capacitor for a specific project.
A. Electrolytic Capacitors
Electrolytic capacitors are polarized components that typically offer high capacitance values in a relatively small package. They are widely used in power supply circuits, audio applications, and energy storage.
Characteristics: High capacitance, voltage rating, and relatively low cost.
Common Applications: Power supply filtering, decoupling, and audio signal coupling.
B. Ceramic Capacitors
Ceramic capacitors are non-polarized and are known for their stability and reliability. They are available in various capacitance values and voltage ratings.
Characteristics: Small size, low equivalent series resistance (ESR), and high-frequency performance.
Common Applications: Decoupling, filtering, and timing circuits.
C. Film Capacitors
Film capacitors use a thin plastic film as the dielectric material. They are known for their excellent stability and low loss characteristics.
Characteristics: Non-polarized, high voltage ratings, and long lifespan.
Common Applications: Audio applications, timing circuits, and power electronics.
D. Tantalum Capacitors
Tantalum capacitors are known for their high capacitance-to-volume ratio and stable electrical characteristics. They are often used in compact electronic devices.
Characteristics: High capacitance, stable voltage ratings, and small size.
Common Applications: Mobile devices, computers, and medical equipment.
E. Supercapacitors
Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors, can store a large amount of energy and are used in applications requiring rapid charge and discharge cycles.
Characteristics: Very high capacitance, fast charging, and long cycle life.
Common Applications: Energy storage systems, backup power supplies, and regenerative braking systems.
III. Popular Capacitor Models
Now that we have an understanding of the different types of capacitors, let's explore some popular models currently in stock, along with their specifications and price ranges.
A. Electrolytic Capacitors
1. Nichicon UHE Series
Specifications: Available in capacitance values ranging from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 450V.
Price Range: $0.10 to $2.00 per unit, depending on capacitance and voltage rating.
2. Panasonic FR Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 450V.
Price Range: $0.15 to $2.50 per unit.
B. Ceramic Capacitors
1. Murata GRM Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1pF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 100V.
Price Range: $0.05 to $1.50 per unit.
2. Kemet C4 Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 16V to 100V.
Price Range: $0.10 to $1.20 per unit.
C. Film Capacitors
1. WIMA MKS Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 250V to 630V.
Price Range: $0.20 to $3.00 per unit.
2. Vishay BC Components
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1nF to 10µF, voltage ratings from 250V to 1000V.
Price Range: $0.25 to $3.50 per unit.
D. Tantalum Capacitors
1. Kemet T491 Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 50V.
Price Range: $0.50 to $5.00 per unit.
2. AVX TPS Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1µF to 1000µF, voltage ratings from 6.3V to 50V.
Price Range: $0.60 to $5.50 per unit.
E. Supercapacitors
1. Maxwell Technologies BMOD Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1F to 5000F, voltage ratings from 2.5V to 3.0V.
Price Range: $5.00 to $100.00 per unit.
2. Panasonic EEC Series
Specifications: Capacitance values from 1F to 5000F, voltage ratings from 2.5V to 3.0V.
Price Range: $6.00 to $120.00 per unit.
IV. Factors Influencing Capacitor Prices
Several factors influence the pricing of capacitors, including:
A. Material and Manufacturing Processes
The materials used in capacitor construction, such as tantalum, aluminum, or ceramic, significantly affect the cost. Additionally, the complexity of the manufacturing process can lead to variations in pricing.
B. Capacitance and Voltage Ratings
Higher capacitance and voltage ratings typically result in higher prices. Capacitors designed for specialized applications or extreme conditions may also command a premium.
C. Brand Reputation and Reliability
Well-known brands with a reputation for quality and reliability often charge more for their products. Engineers and manufacturers may prefer these brands to ensure performance and longevity.
D. Market Demand and Supply Chain Issues
Market demand can fluctuate based on trends in electronics, leading to price changes. Supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by global events, can also impact availability and pricing.
V. Where to Buy Capacitors
Finding the right capacitors for your projects can be done through various channels:
A. Online Retailers
1. **Digi-Key**: A leading distributor of electronic components, offering a vast selection of capacitors with detailed specifications.
2. **Mouser Electronics**: Another major distributor with a wide range of capacitors and competitive pricing.
3. **Newark**: A reliable source for electronic components, including capacitors, with a focus on customer service.
B. Local Electronic Component Stores
Local stores may carry a selection of capacitors, allowing for immediate purchase and support from knowledgeable staff.
C. Wholesale Distributors
For bulk purchases, wholesale distributors can provide significant savings, especially for businesses or large projects.
VI. Conclusion
In summary, capacitors are essential components in electronic circuits, and understanding the various types and models available is crucial for selecting the right one for your needs. This article has highlighted popular capacitor models, their specifications, and price ranges, providing a valuable resource for anyone involved in electronics.
As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about market trends and new capacitor technologies will help ensure that you make the best choices for your projects. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional engineer, the right capacitor can make all the difference in the performance and reliability of your electronic designs.
VII. References
1. Digi-Key Electronics. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Digi-Key](https://www.digikey.com)
2. Mouser Electronics. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Mouser](https://www.mouser.com)
3. Newark. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Newark](https://www.newark.com)
4. Kemet. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Kemet](https://www.kemet.com)
5. Panasonic. (n.d.). Capacitors. Retrieved from [Panasonic](https://www.panasonic.com)
