Capacitors and Inductors values

In summary, as a student, unrealistic values for caps and inductors were frequently encountered. Now, in the real world, the definition of a realistic value is relative to the application and its functionality. In audio work, the typical coupling cap would have a larger value compared to one used in VHF. Similarly, a power supply filter cap for 120 Hz would have a larger value compared to one for 30 KHz. Generally, caps range from pF to uF, inductors from uH to mH, and resistors from Ohms to 100kOhm. Very rarely, 1F caps are used in specialized applications.
  • #1
Corneo
321
0
So being fresh from school, a lot of times as students we dealt with unrealistic values for caps and inductors. I remember doing a textbook problem where a cap's value was 1 F. Now that I'm in the real world. What is considered to be a realistic value? To push the question further, I see a lot of schematics with caps used as coupling caps, how do they go about picking such value? What is considered to be a small cap? 1 pF? Whats a big cap? 1 uF?
 
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  • #2
What is big and what is small is relative to the application. In audio work, the typical capacitor used for a coupling cap would have a large value compared to a coupling cap used in VHF. A power supply filter cap filtering out 120 hertz would have a large value compared to one filtering out 30 KHz from a switch-mode supply.
 
  • #3
I had a feeling that the answer to my question related to the application.
 
  • #4
It's true that it will vary by application, and by circuit functionality. But in general, caps will be in the pF to uF range, inductors will be in the uH to mH range, and resistors will vary a lot, but mostly will be in the Ohms to 100kOhm range. Yes, 1F caps are very rare, except in very specialized applications.
 

FAQ: Capacitors and Inductors values

What are capacitors and inductors used for?

Capacitors and inductors are electronic components used in circuits to store and release electrical energy. Capacitors store energy in an electric field, while inductors store energy in a magnetic field. They are commonly used in filters, oscillators, and power supplies.

How are the values of capacitors and inductors determined?

The values of capacitors and inductors are determined by their physical properties such as size, shape, and material. The values can also be adjusted by adding or removing layers or turns of the component. They are measured in units called farads for capacitors and henrys for inductors.

What factors affect the values of capacitors and inductors?

The values of capacitors and inductors can be affected by factors such as temperature, frequency, and voltage. As temperature increases, the values of capacitors and inductors can change due to changes in the physical properties of the materials. Higher frequencies can also cause changes in the values of these components.

How do I choose the right capacitors and inductors for my circuit?

The right capacitors and inductors for a circuit depend on the specific requirements of the circuit, such as the desired capacitance or inductance value, voltage rating, and frequency range. It is important to carefully select components that can handle the expected conditions and provide the necessary functionality for the circuit.

Can capacitors and inductors be used interchangeably?

No, capacitors and inductors have different functions and properties, so they cannot be used interchangeably. Capacitors are used for energy storage and filtering, while inductors are used for energy storage and filtering, as well as for impedance matching and signal coupling. It is important to use the correct component for its intended purpose in a circuit.

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