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1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + ...
Total capacitance is less than smallest value
Ctotal = C₁ + C₂ + C₃ + ...
Total capacitance is sum of all values
| Property | Series | Parallel |
|---|---|---|
| Total Capacitance | Decreases | Increases |
| Voltage Rating | Increases (adds up) | Lowest value |
| Charge | Same on all | Divides |
Capacitors can be connected in two fundamental configurations: series and parallel. In a series connection, capacitors are wired end-to-end so that the same charge flows through each one, and the total capacitance decreases (1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + ...). In a parallel connection, all capacitors share the same voltage across their terminals, and the total capacitance increases (Ctotal = C₁ + C₂ + ...). This behavior is the opposite of resistors, where series resistances add directly. Engineers use these configurations to achieve specific capacitance values, increase voltage ratings (series), or increase total energy storage (parallel) in power supplies, filter circuits, and timing applications.
Determine whether capacitors are connected in series (one after another with no branching) or in parallel (all positive plates connected together and all negative plates connected together). Mixed circuits require solving series and parallel groups step by step.
Calculate 1/Ctotal = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ + 1/C₃ + ..., then take the reciprocal of the result. For two capacitors, the shortcut formula is Ctotal = (C₁ × C₂) / (C₁ + C₂). The total will always be less than the smallest individual capacitor.
Simply add all capacitance values: Ctotal = C₁ + C₂ + C₃ + ... The total capacitance equals the sum of all individual capacitors, always larger than the largest single capacitor.
For series capacitors, the voltage is divided among them (not equally unless capacitance values are equal). For parallel capacitors, each must be rated for the full circuit voltage. Always verify that individual component voltage ratings are not exceeded.
Standard capacitor values follow the E12 or E24 series and may not match your exact design requirement. By combining capacitors in series or parallel, you can achieve precise non-standard values needed for tuned filters, timing circuits, and resonant networks.
Connecting capacitors in series divides the applied voltage among them, effectively increasing the voltage handling capability beyond what a single capacitor can withstand. This technique is common in high-voltage power supplies and energy storage systems.
Paralleling capacitors of different types (e.g., an electrolytic with a ceramic) combines the high capacitance of one with the low ESR and fast response of the other, providing superior filtering in power supply decoupling and bypass applications.
| E12 Base Value | pF Range | nF Range | μF Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 1.0, 10, 100 | 1.0, 10, 100 | 1.0, 10, 100 |
| 1.2 | 1.2, 12, 120 | 1.2, 12, 120 | 1.2, 12, 120 |
| 1.5 | 1.5, 15, 150 | 1.5, 15, 150 | 1.5, 15, 150 |
| 1.8 | 1.8, 18, 180 | 1.8, 18, 180 | 1.8, 18, 180 |
| 2.2 | 2.2, 22, 220 | 2.2, 22, 220 | 2.2, 22, 220 |
| 2.7 | 2.7, 27, 270 | 2.7, 27, 270 | 2.7, 27, 270 |
| 3.3 | 3.3, 33, 330 | 3.3, 33, 330 | 3.3, 33, 330 |
| 3.9 | 3.9, 39, 390 | 3.9, 39, 390 | 3.9, 39, 390 |
| 4.7 | 4.7, 47, 470 | 4.7, 47, 470 | 4.7, 47, 470 |
| 5.6 | 5.6, 56, 560 | 5.6, 56, 560 | 5.6, 56, 560 |
| 6.8 | 6.8, 68, 680 | 6.8, 68, 680 | 6.8, 68, 680 |
| 8.2 | 8.2, 82, 820 | 8.2, 82, 820 | 8.2, 82, 820 |
In series, the same charge must pass through all capacitors, but the voltage divides among them. Since C = Q/V and the total voltage increases while charge stays the same, total capacitance decreases. In parallel, each capacitor stores its own charge at the same voltage, so total stored charge (and thus capacitance) increases.
Yes, and it is commonly done. For example, placing a small ceramic capacitor in parallel with a large electrolytic capacitor combines bulk capacitance with high-frequency response. In series, ensure voltage distribution is considered since unequal capacitors will have unequal voltage drops across them.
Voltage distributes inversely proportional to capacitance: V₁ = Vtotal × Ctotal/C₁. The smallest capacitor receives the highest voltage. This is important because exceeding a capacitor's voltage rating causes failure. Balancing resistors are sometimes used to equalize voltage distribution.
Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) follows the same rules as regular resistors: ESR adds in series and the reciprocal formula applies in parallel. Paralleling capacitors reduces total ESR, which is beneficial in power supply output filtering where low ESR minimizes ripple voltage and heat generation.
Combine standard E12 or E24 values. For values between standards, parallel two capacitors (e.g., 10 nF + 3.3 nF = 13.3 nF). For values smaller than available, use series connection (e.g., two 10 nF in series = 5 nF). Online combination calculators can find the best pair from standard values.
Calculate capacitance from charge and voltage or determine energy stored in a capacitor.
Calculate capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor from plate area, separation, and dielectric constant.
Analyze RC time constants, charging curves, and cutoff frequencies for resistor-capacitor circuits.