What is a silver mica capacitor?

Silver mica capacitors are high precision, stable and reliable capacitors. They are available in small values, and are mostly used at high frequencies and in cases where low losses (high Q) and low capacitor change over time is desired. Mica has been used as a capacitor dielectric since the mid-19th century.

Where is the outside foil on a capacitor?

Since the capacitor is wound into a cylindrical shape, one of the foil sides is on the outside, and the other is on the inside. The outside foil terminal connection is then marked with a band to indicate the outer foil position. Why is the outside foil marked?

Should a capacitor be positive or negative?

Although for the film type capacitor, it’s just fine to connect positive or negative to the inner or outer foil. But due to some reason, it’s preferable to connect the outer foil to negative side or to the “nearest” negative side (input side on coupling application). Why? Because the outer foil will catch the outside interferences.

What is the difference between inner foil and outer foil of a capacitor?

Basically, most of the capacitor, has what we call the inner foil and outer foil. Because, most of capacitor’s construction is based on the winding of paper or other conductor (silver, copper, gold, etc), so we will have a start position (the inner foil) and the finish position (the outer foil).

Why are silver mica capacitors so accurate?

The thin silver coating ensures efficient conductivity, minimizing energy losses across diverse conditions. This construction makes silver mica capacitors highly precise and reliable for electronic applications requiring accuracy. Figure 1 illustrates the construction of a silver mica capacitor.

Why do capacitors have a start and finish position?

Because, most of capacitor’s construction is based on the winding of paper or other conductor (silver, copper, gold, etc), so we will have a start position (the inner foil) and the finish position (the outer foil). Although for the film type capacitor, it’s just fine to connect positive or negative to the inner or outer foil.