This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Trimmers, Variable Capacitors category on DigiKey.com
Trimmer and variable capacitors are a group of devices that provide a capacitance that is user-adjustable within some specified, relatively narrow range. Devices covering capacitance ranges of a few picofarads to a few nanofarads are commonly available, with voltage ratings from the tens of volts into the kilovolts. Typically used for calibration, tuning, and matching applications, their relatively high cost and potential for maladjustment recommends the use of fixed value devices where feasible.
SelectionCharacteristics
Capacitance Range: Identifies the span of capacitance values to which a given part can be adjusted. Capacitance is 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.
Adjustment Type: The method by which the device is adjusted.
Voltage - Rated: Typically this represents the maximum 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.
Q @ Freq: Characterizes the ratio of a device’s reactance to its parasitic resistance at the specified test frequency.
Size / Dimension: The physical dimensions of the main body of the device. Typically listed as length x width or diameter.
Height - Seated (Max): Indicates how far the device will extend above the surface to which it has been attached.
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: Identifies how the device is attached.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as low profile or sealed.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | GKG6R086-05 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 2447-GKG6R086-05TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | EW Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 2 ~ 6pF Trimmer Capacitor 100 V Top |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | AT15HV |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1674-1058-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Knowles Voltronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 1 ~ 16pF Trimmer Capacitor 1000 V Top Panel Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | SGC3S100 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 2447-SGC3S100TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | EW Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 3 ~ 10pF Trimmer Capacitor 100 V Top Surface Mount |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | BFC280811339 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | BC2769-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Vishay Beyschlag/Draloric/BC Components |
| DESCRIPTION | 3 ~ 33pF Trimmer Capacitor 250 V Top and Bottom Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | AP40HV |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1674-1053-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Knowles Voltronics |
| DESCRIPTION | 1.5 ~ 40pF Trimmer Capacitor 1000 V Side Through Hole |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
SchematicSymbol
Schematic symbol courtesy of Scheme-it. Please see their website for more information and symbols.
MediaLinks
TechForum
Trimmer & Variable Capacitors