Serial coupling of capacitors as an option for capacity selection

Condenser - a very common radio components,which occurs in all conceptual schemes. It is two conductors separated by a dielectric (depending on the type of capacitors, various types of capacitors are used), that is, physically this is a break in the circuit, but a dielectric can accumulate a charge. The main characteristic of any capacitor is the ability to accumulate charge - capacity, and the nominal voltage of this charge.

Electrolytic capacitors have polarity andcharacterized by a large capacity and a wide range of stresses, paper can withstand a great deal of stress, but have a small capacity. There are also devices with varying capacities, but each type has its own application.

Often radio amateurs face a problemselection of capacitors by capacitance or voltage. Professionals know: in the absence of the right one, it is possible to assemble a combination of several devices, a battery of them. In batteries, a combination, parallel and series connection of capacitors is permitted.

Connecting devices in parallel, you can achieveincrease in capacity. The total in such a battery will be equal to the sum of all the capacitances (Сэкв. = С1 + С2 + ...), the voltage on each element will be equal. This means that the minimum voltage of the capacitor applied in the connection is the maximum allowable for the entire battery.

A series connection of capacitors is used in cases where it is necessary to increase the voltage capable of withstanding devices or reducing their capacitance.

In this variant, the elements are connected tothe following scheme: the beginning of one with the end of the other, that is, the "plus" of one with the "minus" of the other. The capacitance of an equivalent capacitor in this case is calculated by the following formula: 1 / Секв. = 1 / С1 + 1 / С2 + ... It follows from this that for two capacitors Сэкв = С1 * С2 / (С1 + С2), which means that the battery capacity will be less than the minimum capacity used in it.

A capacitor bank often provides a combined (mixed)
compound.To calculate the capacitance of such a device, in which a parallel and series connection of capacitors is applied, the circuit is divided into sections, and then the capacity of each of them is alternately calculated. Thus, the capacitance C12 = C1 + C2 is calculated, and then Сэкв = С12 * С3 / (С12 + С3).

Thanks to the development of capacitor banks with different configurations and circuitry
connection, you can pick up any capacity on theAny interesting voltage. A series connection of capacitors, like a combined one, is used in many ready-made amateur radio circuits. It must be taken into account that each capacitor has a very important individual parameter - the leakage current, it can unbalance the voltage at parallel connection and the capacitance in the series. It is very important to select the necessary shunt resistance.

When working with capacitors and electronics, do not forget the rules of personal safety and the risk of electric shock.