Telecom Capacitors
Last Updated: January 16, 2025 Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Telecom capacitors are electronic components used to store and release electrical energy in telecommunications equipment. They play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of electrical circuits by managing voltage levels and filtering out noise.
Working Principle
A telecom capacitor consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material known as a dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, an electric field is created between them, storing energy. This stored energy can be released back into the circuit when the voltage changes. The capacitance, measured in farads (F), determines the amount of energy stored and depends on factors such as the area of the plates, the distance between them, and the type of dielectric material used .
Applications
Telecom capacitors are extensively used in various telecommunications equipment. For example, they are employed in signal conditioning and circuit protection to ensure stable and reliable signal transmission. They are also used in radio tuners and random access memory (RAM) to store and process information efficiently .
Advantages over other Capacitors
Telecom capacitors offer several advantages over other types of capacitors. For instance, ceramic capacitors, which are commonly used in telecom applications, provide superior performance in terms of temperature stability and durability. They are also less prone to degradation over time compared to paper or film capacitors, making them more reliable for long-term use in telecommunications equipment .
Limitations
One of the primary limitations of telecom capacitors is their sensitivity to harmonic disturbances. In power systems with a high presence of nonlinear loads, the possibility of parallel or series resonances between the system and capacitors at harmonic frequencies can become a concern. This can lead to deteriorated power quality and increased line losses .
Considerations
When selecting telecom capacitors, several factors need to be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the type and specifications of the capacitor. Operating expenses are generally low, but the durability and accuracy of the capacitor can significantly impact its performance and lifespan. Maintenance and replacement costs should also be taken into account, as some capacitors may require more frequent servicing due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions and operational stresses .
from Knowles Precision Devices
Based around our Thin-Trim capacitors, Johanson's Cera-Trims are designed for use in harsh environments. The ceramic housing and color-coded epoxy seal protect the capacitor from solder fluxes and cleaning solvents. In use, the housing continues to protect the trimmer and provide rugged reliability. [See More]
- Applications: RF / Microwave; Telecom; Medical, Cellular
- Capacitance Type: Variable
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- RoHS Compliant: Yes (optional feature)
from RS Components, Ltd.
MLCC for Telecommunications Infrastructu [See More]
- Applications: Telecom
- Technology: Multilayer
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Ceramic Composition
from Knowles Precision Devices
Our Thin-Trim capacitors are ideal for applications where size and performance are most critical. These single-turn capacitors exhibit remarkable electrical characteristics for their small size. Useful up to 2 GHz, these trimmers are perfect for low-profile applications. Characteristics. Working... [See More]
- Applications: RF / Microwave; Telecom; Medical, Cellular
- Capacitance Type: Variable
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- RoHS Compliant: Yes (optional feature)
from RS Components, Ltd.
MLCC for Telecommunications Infrastructu [See More]
- Applications: Telecom
- Technology: Multilayer
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Ceramic Composition
from Knowles Precision Devices
Our Thin-Trim capacitors are ideal for applications where size and performance are most critical. These single-turn capacitors exhibit remarkable electrical characteristics for their small size. Useful up to 2 GHz, these trimmers are perfect for low-profile applications. Characteristics. Working... [See More]
- Applications: RF / Microwave; Telecom; Medical, Cellular
- Capacitance Type: Variable
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- RoHS Compliant: Yes (optional feature)
from RS Components, Ltd.
MLCC for Telecommunications Infrastructu [See More]
- Applications: Telecom
- Technology: Multilayer
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Ceramic Composition
from Trigon Components, Inc.
SERIES. CMCR. DESCRIPTION. Radial Epoxy Coated. CAPACITANCE RANGE. 1pF to 22.0uF. VOLTAGE RATING. 50VDC to 100 VDC. OPERATING TEMPERATURE. -55 to +125 deg C. PACKAGE. Radial. FEATURE. •CMCR Radial Leaded Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors has wide application computer, data processing,... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; Telecom
- Technology: Film Capacitors
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Ceramic Composition
from Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
Maxwell Technologies ’ 16V ultracapacitor module product line gives customers a broad range of choices to meet their energy storage and power delivery requirements in a rugged package that can be configured for higher voltages and energy that may be needed. The broad selection of modules... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; Telecom; Automotive; Power Supply
- Technology: Ultracapacitor
- Configuration / Form Factor: Heavy Duty / Electric Power Capacitors
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Schaffner EMC Inc.
IEC/EN 60384-14 approval. Rated currents from 10 to 200 A. 5 kV pulse test capability. Class Y2 capacitor. Capacitance : 2.2 to 220 nF. Frequency : 50/60 Hz. Operating frequency : 0 to 60 Hz. Rated Current : 10 to 200 A. Voltage : ≤ 300 V [See More]
- Applications: Telecom; Power Supply; Power Line Filter for 110/240 VAC Power Lines, Increasing System and Information Security, Power Supplies, Switching and Cellular Equipment
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- RoHS Compliant: Yes
from Pacific Capacitor Co.
The type RM capacitor is an intermediate high voltage device that incorporates the excellent electrical characteristics of a fixed kraft paper and polyester dielectric with a resin impregnation to achieve exceptional reliability in the smallest possible size. The standard type RM is made with either... [See More]
- Applications: High Voltage Capacitor; Telecom; Aerospace; Defense, Medical, Laser
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Paper; Polyester
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Capacitance Range: 1.00E-4 to 1
from EPCOS AG
The development, manufacture and marketing of electronic components, modules and systems represents the largest business segment of the TDK Group. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. Electronic... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; Telecom
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Polyester; Polypropylene
- Technology: Film Capacitors
- Metallized Dielectric: Metallized Dielectric
from Trigon Components, Inc.
SERIES. CPH (Hi-V). DESCRIPTION. Chip, High Voltage. CAPACITANCE RANGE. 10pF to 1.5uF. VOLTAGE RATING. 100VDC to 3000VDC. OPERATING TEMPERATURE. -55 to +125?. PACKAGE. SMD 0603, 0805, 1206, 1210, 1808, 1812. FEATURE. Recommended Appliction: •Modems. •Telecom Devices. •LAN / WAN... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; Telecom; Power Supply
- Technology: Multilayer
- Configuration / Form Factor: Chip Capacitor
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Ceramic Composition
from Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
Maxwell Technologies ’ 48V ultracapacitor module product line gives customers in transportation and industrial industries a broad range of choices to meet their energy storage and power delivery requirements. The rugged, environmentally resistant design makes the modules ideal for hybrid... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; Telecom; Automotive; Power Supply
- Technology: Ultracapacitor
- Configuration / Form Factor: Heavy Duty / Electric Power Capacitors
- Capacitance Type: Fixed
from Pacific Capacitor Co.
The type SM capacitor is a high voltage dielectric device that incorporates the excellent electrical characteristics of a fabricated mica dielectric with a resin impregnation to achieve exceptional reliability at temperatures in excess of 150 °C. The standard type SM is housed in a polyester... [See More]
- Applications: High Voltage Capacitor; Telecom; Aerospace; Defense, Medical, Laser
- Electrostatic Capacitors: Mica
- Configuration / Form Factor: Leaded Capacitor
- Capacitance Range: 1.00E-4 to 1
from Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
Maxwell Technologies' D Cell ® series ultracapacitor cells are ideal for automotive boardnet stabilization, medical devices, uninterruptible power supplies, backup power and pulse, wind turbine pitch control, and many other applications requiring a pulse of energy that cannot be efficiently... [See More]
- Applications: General Purpose; RF / Microwave; Telecom; Automotive
- Technology: Ultracapacitor
- Configuration / Form Factor: Board Mounted
- Capacitance Type: Fixed