This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Film Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
Film capacitors are based on the use of plastic film materials as a dielectric. An electrostatic (non-polarized) capacitor type having generally favorable parameter stability and loss characteristics relative to other types, a wide variety of construction and material variations exist that allow film capacitors to be adapted for a wide range of purposes, ranging from small-signal applications in which ceramics are competitive to power applications where electrolytics are the likely alternative.
SelectionCharacteristics
Capacitance: A measurement of the device’s ability to store an electrical charge. It is measured in Farads (F) and uses the metric system for values.
Tolerance: Characterizes the extent of permitted variability of overall device value among samples of a given part number, resulting from variations in manufacturing.
Voltage Rating - AC: Typically this represents the maximum AC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Voltage Rating - DC: Typically this represents the maximum DC voltage rating to which a device will meet its given specifications. Exceeding this voltage rating may damage the device and other system components.
Dielectric Material: A material that is an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. It can either be an insulator or a poor electrical conductor.
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance): The ESR of Electrolytic capacitors is an important factor to consider in circuits where current levels are relatively high. Also under some circumstances, the current sourced from them needs to have a low source impedance, for example: when the capacitor is being used in a power supply circuit as a reservoir capacitor. Under these conditions, it is necessary to consult the manufacturer’s data sheets to discover whether the electrolytic capacitor chosen will meet the requirements of the circuit. If the ESR is high, then it will not be able to deliver the required amount of current in the circuit without a voltage drop resulting from the ESR which will be seen as a source resistance.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the device. Typically listed as length x width or diameter x length.
Height - Seated (Max): Indicates how far the device will extend above the surface to which it has been attached.
Termination: Selection of termination style used to connect the device to a system, such as a connector, PC pins, or wire leads.
Lead Spacing: Indicates the center-to-center spacing between adjacent leads.
Applications: Identifies the type of equipment, environment, or function for which the device is intended for use.
Ratings: Minimum performance standards of the device, which are typically set by a third party.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as high temperature or low ESR.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | C4BTHBX5100ZALJ |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 399-8850-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | KEMET |
| DESCRIPTION | 10 µF Film Capacitor 330V 600V Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Rectangular Box |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | 944U101K122ACI |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 338-4457-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) |
| DESCRIPTION | 100 µF Film Capacitor 1200V (1.2kV) Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Radial, Can |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | B32355C4255J019 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 495-76062-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | EPCOS - TDK Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 2.5 µF Film Capacitor 400V Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Radial, Can |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SFA66T2K156B-F |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | SFA66T2K156B-F-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Cornell Dubilier Electronics (CDE) |
| DESCRIPTION | 2 µF Film Capacitor 660V Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Radial, Can |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | B32361A4206J080 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 495-76892-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | EPCOS - TDK Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 20 µF Film Capacitor 480V Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Radial, Can |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | ECH-U1C102GX5 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | PCF1453TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Panasonic Electronic Components |
| DESCRIPTION | 1000 pF Film Capacitor 11V 16V Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Metallized - Stacked 0603 (1608 Metric) |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | R71QR41004010K |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 399-12822-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | KEMET |
| DESCRIPTION | 1 µF Film Capacitor 275V 1000V (1kV) Polypropylene (PP), Metallized Radial |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
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