104 Capacitor: Versatile and Reliable Capacitors for Your Electronics
The 104 capacitor value is 100nF, it’s a widely used component in various electronic circuits. Known for its versatility, it is commonly found in power supply filtering, signal conditioning, noise reduction, and decoupling applications. Available in different types such as ceramic, film, tantalum, and Mylar, the 104 capacitor offers reliable performance across a broad temperature range. Its non-polarized design makes it easy to use in AC and DC circuits, providing stable operation and low tolerance for a wide variety of electronic devices and systems.
104 Capacitors of Different Materials
104 Ceramic Capacitor
The 104 ceramic capacitor is a popular choice for general-purpose applications due to its stability and compact size. With a capacitance of 100nF (nanofarads), it is ideal for filtering and decoupling applications in power supplies, signal conditioning, and RF circuits. Made from ceramic materials, it offers reliable performance across a wide temperature range.
Ceramic capacitors are known for their low cost, durability, and availability in various voltage ratings. The 104 ceramic capacitor is widely used in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and industrial equipment, making it a versatile component for various applications.
104 Film Capacitor
The 104 film capacitor offers reliable performance in low-frequency applications, with a capacitance value of 100nF. Made from thin layers of plastic film, these capacitors are known for their stability, high insulation resistance, and low self-inductance. Film capacitors, including the 104 film capacitor, are commonly used in signal processing, audio equipment, and power electronics.
They are excellent for precision circuits due to their predictable performance and low tolerance. Their non-polarized nature allows for flexible installation, making them suitable for a wide range of electronic applications requiring consistent and stable operation.
104 Tantalum Capacitor
The 104 tantalum capacitor is a high-performance component that offers a capacitance value of 100nF. Tantalum capacitors are known for their reliability, stability, and small size, making them ideal for compact, high-density circuit designs.
Unlike ceramic capacitors, tantalum capacitors offer higher capacitance stability under varying voltage and temperature conditions. They are widely used in high-performance electronics, including telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices. The 104 tantalum capacitor’s low ESR (equivalent series resistance) makes it ideal for filtering and energy storage applications, offering excellent performance in both DC and AC circuits.
104 Mylar Capacitor
The 104 Mylar capacitor is a type of polyester film capacitor with a capacitance value of 100nF. Mylar capacitors are widely appreciated for their low cost, good stability, and ability to maintain performance in high-temperature environments. These capacitors are non-polarized, which makes them versatile and easy to install in any direction within a circuit.
The 104 Mylar capacitor is commonly used in timing circuits, audio equipment, and signal processing. Due to its durable construction and low-loss characteristics, it is suitable for both consumer electronics and industrial applications that require stable capacitance over a wide range of temperatures.
104 Capacitors of Different Specification
2A104J Capacitor
The 2A104J capacitor is a high-quality 100nF (104) capacitor with a ±5% tolerance, designed for precision in electronic circuits. Featuring a stable dielectric, it is well-suited for applications requiring reliable filtering and decoupling. This capacitor is commonly used in power supplies, amplifiers, and signal processing circuits.
Its compact size ensures easy integration into PCBs, while its robust design provides excellent temperature and voltage resistance. Ideal for both consumer electronics and industrial systems, the 2A104J delivers dependable performance in environments where stability and precision are essential.
2A104K Capacitor
The 2A104K capacitor is a 100nF capacitor with a ±10% tolerance, optimized for general-purpose electronic applications. It provides effective noise reduction and voltage stabilization, making it ideal for power supplies, microcontroller circuits, and audio systems. Built with durable and thermally stable materials, it performs reliably in a variety of environments.
The 2A104K is particularly valued for its balance of affordability and performance, offering long-lasting functionality in both consumer gadgets and professional equipment. Its easy-to-solder design facilitates seamless integration into electronic assemblies.
2G104J Capacitor
The 2G104J capacitor is a versatile 100nF capacitor with a ±5% tolerance, offering excellent electrical performance across a range of applications. Engineered with high-grade materials, it excels in power management, noise suppression, and signal coupling. Its wide temperature range makes it suitable for demanding environments, including industrial automation and automotive electronics.
Compact and durable, the 2G104J is a preferred choice for engineers seeking reliability in space-constrained designs. Whether used in timing circuits or power filtering, this capacitor ensures consistent and efficient operation in modern electronic systems.
2J104K Capacitor
The 2J104K capacitor features a 100nF capacitance with a ±10% tolerance, designed for versatile use in electronics. With its high reliability and consistent performance, it’s ideal for applications like signal decoupling, EMI suppression, and filtering.
The capacitor’s robust build allows it to function efficiently in temperature-varying and high-frequency environments. Suitable for audio processing, automotive systems, and power circuits, the 2J104K ensures stable and long-term performance. Compact and lightweight, it is easy to install on PCBs, making it an excellent choice for modern electronic designs.
104 Capacitor Uses
Power Supply Filtering
The 104 capacitor is commonly used in power supply circuits to filter out high-frequency noise. By stabilizing voltage fluctuations, it ensures smooth power delivery to sensitive components like microcontrollers and processors. This makes it essential in devices such as smartphones, laptops, and home appliances.
Audio Signal Processing
In audio circuits, the 104 capacitor helps remove noise and unwanted frequencies, improving sound quality. It is often used in amplifiers, equalizers, and audio mixers to ensure a cleaner and more accurate signal transmission.
Motor Control Systems
In industrial and automotive applications, the 104 capacitor is used in motor control circuits to suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improve efficiency. It plays a key role in ensuring smooth operation and prolonging motor lifespan.
Timer and Oscillator Circuits
The 104 capacitor is paired with resistors in timing and oscillator circuits to generate precise time delays or stable oscillations. These are critical in applications like clock generation, frequency modulators, and electronic timers found in consumer electronics and industrial controls.
The 104 capacitor, with a capacitance value of 100 nanofarads (nF), is a versatile and essential component in many electronic circuits. Its moderate capacitance and availability in various types, such as ceramic, film, Mylar, and tantalum, make it suitable for a wide range of applications across different industries.
One of the primary uses of the 104 capacitor is decoupling in power supply circuits. It helps smooth out voltage fluctuations by filtering out high-frequency noise, ensuring stable power delivery to sensitive electronic components. This makes it a critical part of circuits in devices like computers, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics.
Another common application is in signal coupling and decoupling. The 104 capacitor isolates AC signals while blocking DC voltage, making it valuable in amplifiers, audio circuits, and communication systems. It ensures that only the desired signal is transmitted while maintaining circuit stability.
In timing and oscillation circuits, the 104 capacitor is used in conjunction with resistors to create precise time delays or generate oscillations. This function is crucial in applications like pulse generation, frequency modulation, and timers.
The capacitor also plays a significant role in noise suppression. It can filter out electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), improving the performance of electronic devices in noisy environments.
Furthermore, the 104 capacitor is commonly used in filtering applications within power supplies and audio systems, where it removes unwanted frequencies, ensuring cleaner outputs.
From simple consumer electronics to industrial machinery, the 104 capacitor’s reliability, non-polarized nature, and wide compatibility make it a go-to component for engineers and designers aiming to enhance the performance and efficiency of their electronic systems.
Understanding Capacitor Codes: 104J, 104K, 104M, 104P, 104Z
In the world of electronics, capacitors are essential components used to store electrical energy. To quickly identify a capacitor’s value, manufacturers use a coding system. In the case of 104J, 104K, 104M, 104P, and 104Z, the “104” part indicates the capacitance value, while the letter (J, K, M, P, or Z) denotes the tolerance.
Decoding the “104” part:
- First two digits: 10
- Last digit: 4 (multiplier)
To calculate the capacitance:
- Multiply the first two digits by the multiplier raised to the power of 10.
- In this case: 10 * 10^4 = 100,000 picofarads (pF)
- Convert picofarads to microfarads (µF):
- 1,000,000 pF = 1 µF
- So, 100,000 pF = 0.1 µF
Therefore, the base capacitance value for all these capacitors is 0.1 µF.
Understanding the Tolerance Codes:
The letter following the number indicates the tolerance, or the permissible deviation from the nominal value.
- J: ±5%
- K: ±10%
- M: ±20%
- P: ±1%
- Z: ±0.5%
For example:
- 104J capacitor: Its actual capacitance can be anywhere between 0.095 µF and 0.105 µF.
- 104K capacitor: Its actual capacitance can be anywhere between 0.09 µF and 0.11 µF.
Choosing the Right Tolerance:
The choice of tolerance depends on the specific application. For circuits that require high precision, a lower tolerance like P or Z is preferred. For less critical applications, a higher tolerance like K or M is sufficient.
By understanding these codes, you can accurately identify the capacitance value and tolerance of a capacitor, ensuring correct component selection for your electronic projects.
104 Capacitors FAQs
The "104" marking on a capacitor represents its capacitance value. This is a standard notation used to indicate the capacitor's value in picofarads (pF). The first two digits, "10," are the significant figures, and the third digit, "4," is the multiplier. This means you multiply 10 by 10⁴ (10,000), resulting in a capacitance value of 100,000 picofarads, or 100 nanofarads (nF).
Capacitors marked with "104" are commonly used in various applications like filtering, decoupling, and noise suppression due to their moderate capacitance value. This standard marking simplifies identifying the capacitor’s specifications without needing additional documentation.
104 c1k capacitor, 104 c5k capacitor, 104 k5c capacitor, 104 k5m capacitor, 104 e5m capacitor
It is a manufacturer-dependent part marking.
If you look at some of the major manufacturers' datasheets for radial-lead ceramic capacitors (AVX for exemple), you'll see the following:
- First character = temperature characteristics (A = C0G, C = X7R, D = X5R, E = Z5U, F = X8R, )
- Second character = voltage rating (Z = 10VDC, 5 = 50VDC, 1 = 100VDC, 2 = 200VDC, 9 = 300VDC, 8 = 400VDC, 7 = 500VDC)
- Third character = capacitance tolerance (C = +/-0.25pF, D = +/-0.5pF, F = +/- 1%, G = +/-2%, J = +/-5%, K = +/-10%, M = +/-20%, Z = +80%/-20%)
When selecting a 104 capacitor, ensure the voltage rating is higher than the maximum voltage your circuit will experience. A good rule of thumb is to choose a capacitor with a voltage rating at least 1.5 to 2 times the operating voltage for added safety and longevity. For example, if your circuit operates at 12V, a capacitor rated for 25V or 50V is ideal.
Yes, 104 capacitors are suitable for high-frequency applications, particularly ceramic and film types. They are commonly used in RF circuits, signal filters, and decoupling tasks to suppress high-frequency noise. However, the specific performance depends on the type of dielectric material and the design of the capacitor.
The lifespan of a 104 capacitor depends on its type, operating conditions, and quality. Ceramic and film capacitors typically last decades under normal conditions, while prolonged exposure to high temperatures, voltage stress, or mechanical vibrations may shorten their lifespan. Regular testing and proper circuit design can help ensure long-term reliability.
