Understanding Capacitor Value Codes
Capacitors often use a numerical code to indicate their capacitance value in picofarads (pF) along with their tolerance.
The value is usually given as two significant digits followed by a multiplier. For example, a code "104" means the
capacitance is 10 × 104 pF, which equals 100,000 pF or 100 nF.
Understanding these codes is essential for designing and troubleshooting circuits. The tolerance, expressed as a
percentage, indicates the allowable variation from the stated value, ensuring accurate operation in sensitive applications.
Example Calculations
Example 1:
Code: "104"
- Digit 1 = 1
- Digit 2 = 0
- Multiplier = 10,000
Capacitance: 10 × 10,000 = 100,000 pF = 100 nF
Tolerance: ±20% (if tolerance is 20%).
Example 2:
Code: "222"
- Digit 1 = 2
- Digit 2 = 2
- Multiplier = 100
Capacitance: 22 × 100 = 2,200 pF = 2.2 nF
Tolerance: ±10% (if tolerance is 10%).
Example 3:
Code: "681"
- Digit 1 = 6
- Digit 2 = 8
- Multiplier = 10
Capacitance: 68 × 10 = 680 pF
Tolerance: ±5% (if tolerance is 5%).
