Written by: Newton C. Braga

 

 

“Why is it important to follow the indicated type of capacitor in an assembly? Why can not I use a polyester capacitor where a ceramic is recommended?”

 

Capacitors, although they have the function of storing electrical charges, are different as to other properties that are important in an electronic assembly. For example, polyester capacitors do not respond to variations of high frequency signals as well as ceramic ones. Thus, in a high frequency circuit, a polyester capacitor may not work, depending on its function. It is for this reason that in the material lists or even in the recommendations for the assembly of certain circuits, the recommendation to use a certain type of capacitor should be strictly followed. In a transmitter, for example, if the indicated capacitor is ceramic it must be of that type, otherwise the design will not work.