Capacitor question - RC-Monster Forums

Marvin · **Capacitor question -** 11.13.2009, 01:35 PM

I'm going to be running an MMP in my 1/8 buggy, and taking Brian's advice, am going to run some extra caps. (3 220uF 35V 105C electrolytic caps)

My question is, (and I think I know), do I solder them up in series with each other or in parallel? I know that you connect them in parallel with the ESC, and I would have thought that you'd wire these in series, but I'm not sure.

Thanks
Simon

BrianG · 11.13.2009, 01:41 PM

Nope, all in parallel. When you parallel caps, the capacitance is additive and the voltage is the same. So, if you use three 330uF 35v caps, putting them in parallel nets 990uF @ 35v. If you put them in series, you'd get 110uF @ 105v.

Marvin · 11.13.2009, 01:44 PM

Ok, I can see the logic there too...

I haven't done capacitance in Physics yet, so I wasn't sure on what units Farads are derived from. If I'd only known...

I'll get the soldering iron out!

BrianG · 11.13.2009, 01:47 PM

Oooh, capacitors (and inductors) are fun, especially in AC circuits. All those phase angles and formulas. Fun stuff.

Marvin · 11.13.2009, 02:01 PM

Oh yeah, I can imagine...

I better get used to it though, I've applied to university to do a Masters in Computer Systems Engineering (both the electrical and software sides). All about capacitors...