What are network capacitors?

Network Capacitors, also called Resistor Capacitors, or RCs, are special types of capacitor devices possessing insulators made from metallised papers. Like any other capacitor, a network capacitor, or RC, stores electrical charge but uses a special type of paper having a metallic layer, for example of aluminium, to be used as an insulator. 

Typically, network capacitors have self-healing properties, which ensure the durability of the resistor capacitors and prevent damages from frequent over-voltages. Additionally, the use of metallised paper enhances reliability and stability of the devices, making them ideal and effective in applications that demand continuous operation.

How do network capacitors work?

The working principle of network capacitors is very simple. A resistor capacitor possesses two metallic plates and an insulator in between the two. The insulator, as described above, is made from a metallised paper and acts as a dielectric material. When voltage is applied across the two metallic plates, it generates an electric field where one plate collects the positive charge and the other one collects the negative charge. The network capacitor typically stores these electrical charges and releases them when necessary. 

Applications

Network capacitors have extensive applications in the electronics and electrical industries. They are particularly in high demand for use in AC and DC applications. Generally, the essential applications of network capacitors include power storage, circuit design, sensing capabilities, noise reduction, and flexible filter options, among other things.