Karl and Corey run The Spark Gap Podcast which is focused on embedded electronics. On Episode 25 they interview me about Capacitors. We covered all the major types of caps, plus some application bits. Check out their show notes for an impressive array of links on the subject.
Also, my favorite episode of theirs so far is episode 18. The guys talk about different serial protocols like SPI, I2C, CAN, etc. Really good stuff.
Understanding what X2 or Y1 capacitors actually are and are not is important when designing them into an AC-mains connected power supply. Recently Electronic Products Magazine ran an article I wrote on the proper role of X and Y safety rated EMI Capacitors.
The X2 capacitor rating means different things to different people–except for UL. When I wrote this article to discuss some common misconceptions around what X2 Rated Capacitors are, and how they can be properly used.
In case the PDF reader doesn’t load, it’s on Page 20 of the November 2014 issue.
You can see the full article with the EP Reader, by clicking here.
Article I wrote on some innovations KEMET has implemented in their capacitors:
“There is no Moore’s Law for passive components like capacitors, but relentless development is delivering the kinds of devices engineers need to deliver cutting-edge new products for modern living. Capacitors have for many years enabled electronic designers to manage energy within circuits and fulfill basic functions like filtering noise or harmonics, correcting power factor, stabilizing feedback circuitry, coupling/decoupling, interfacing between voltage levels, and storing energy. But the demands placed on these components continue to increase, as electronic devices are expected to be smaller, longer lasting, more feature rich and more robust.”
Read “Capacitor Innovations Address Emerging Opportunities” on Power Systems Design.
November 2013’s issue of Electronic Products features an article on the cover titled “Introduction to Polymer Capacitors.” The author is, well, me. This article explains the differences between traditional MnO2-Tantalum and Polymer-Tantalum capacitors. Previously I explained these differences in the post on the fire hazard the Arduino GSM shield poses (due to improper derating).
You can find the Electronic Products article wherever magazines are sold or here: Introduction to Polymer Capacitors. Check below for links to high-resolution pictures.
