Capacitor Networks, Arrays

Capacitor networks or arrays are electronic devices that consist of two or more capacitors packaged together in a single unit. These capacitors can be surface-mounted, through-hole, or chassis-mounted, depending on the application requirements. Capacitor networks offer the advantage of having multiple capacitors in a compact form factor, which saves space on the circuit board. They are commonly used in electronic circuits where there is a need for multiple capacitance values or when space constraints prohibit the use of individual capacitors. The capacitance values of capacitor networks can range from as low as 10 picofarads (pf) to as high as 80 microfarads (µF). The tolerance level, which indicates the allowable deviation from the nominal capacitance value, typically ranges from 5% to 20%. These networks can be designed with capacitors that are either isolated from each other or connected in a bussed circuit configuration. Isolated capacitors have individual terminals and are used when each capacitor needs to be independently connected in the circuit. On the other hand, bussed capacitors share common terminals and are connected in parallel, making them suitable for applications that require a combination of capacitance values. Capacitor networks utilize various dielectric materials based on the specific requirements of the application. Common dielectric materials include ceramic, metallized polymer, and polypropylene. Ceramic capacitors offer a wide range of capacitance values and voltage ratings. Metallized polymer capacitors provide improved stability and reliability. Polypropylene capacitors are known for their low loss and high insulation resistance. The rated operating voltage of capacitor networks can vary from 6.3 volts to as high as 440 volts, depending on the application's voltage requirements. In summary, capacitor networks or arrays are electronic devices that package multiple capacitors together. They offer advantages such as space-saving, multiple capacitance values, and flexibility in circuit design. The capacitance values, tolerance levels, dielectric materials, and voltage ratings can all vary based on the specific application needs.