Understanding the 104 Capacitor Value
In electronics, capacitors are an essential component in many circuits, and understanding their values is crucial for designing and building functional devices. One common capacitor value is 104, which may seem like a random number, but it has a specific meaning.
What does 104 mean on a capacitor?
The "104" marking on a capacitor is a code that indicates its capacitance value. In this case, the code is based on the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) standard for marking capacitors.
The first two digits, "10," represent the significant figures of the capacitance value, while the third digit, "4," represents the multiplier. To calculate the capacitance value, you need to combine these two parts.
Calculating the capacitance value
To calculate the capacitance value, multiply the significant figures (10) by 10 raised to the power of the multiplier (4). This gives you:
10 × 10^4 = 100,000 picofarads (pF)
So, a capacitor marked "104" has a capacitance value of 100,000 pF or 100 nF (nanofarads).
Common applications of 104 capacitors
Capacitors with a value of 104 are commonly used in various electronic circuits, including:
Filter circuits: 104 capacitors are often used in filter circuits, such as low-pass filters, high-pass filters, and band-pass filters, to block or allow specific frequency ranges.
Coupling circuits: These capacitors are used in coupling circuits to transfer energy from one circuit to another while blocking DC voltage.
Power supply circuits: 104 capacitors are used in power supply circuits to filter out noise and ripple in the output voltage.
Audio circuits: These capacitors are used in audio circuits, such as amplifiers and tone controls, to filter out unwanted frequencies and improve sound quality.
In conclusion
The 104 capacitor value is a common marking on capacitors, indicating a capacitance value of 100,000 pF or 100 nF. Understanding this value is essential for designing and building electronic circuits, as it helps you choose the correct capacitor for your application.
