Hold Capacitor: Voltage Rating 50V to 200V

Q: Why is dielectric absorption important for a hold capacitor?

Dielectric absorption causes a capacitor to slowly release or 'remember' a previous charge state, leading to voltage errors during the hold phase. Low dielectric absorption materials (e.g., polypropylene) are essential for high-accuracy S/H circuits to minimize this memory effect and ensure signal fidelity.

Q: How does capacitor value affect S/H circuit performance?

A larger capacitance reduces droop rate (voltage decay during hold) but increases acquisition time (time to charge during sample) and requires more drive current. A smaller capacitance allows faster sampling but is more susceptible to droop and noise. The value is optimized based on required sampling speed, hold duration, and accuracy.

Component Specifications

Definition

A hold capacitor is a critical passive electronic component within a sample-and-hold (S/H) circuit. Its primary function is to acquire and store an analog voltage sample from the input signal during the 'sample' phase when the sampling switch is closed. During the subsequent 'hold' phase, when the switch opens, the capacitor must maintain this stored charge with minimal leakage or droop, providing a stable voltage to the output buffer or analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for processing. Its performance directly impacts the circuit's accuracy, speed, and signal integrity.

Working Principle

The hold capacitor operates on the fundamental principle of electrostatic energy storage. During the sample phase, it charges to the instantaneous voltage of the input signal. During the hold phase, it ideally retains this charge due to its high insulation resistance, creating a stable output voltage. The capacitor's value, dielectric material, and physical construction determine key parameters like acquisition time, droop rate, and dielectric absorption.

Materials

Dielectric: Typically polypropylene, polystyrene, or Teflon (PTFE) for low leakage, low dielectric absorption, and high stability. Electrodes: Metalized film or foil (e.g., aluminum). Encapsulation: Epoxy resin or plastic case. Leads: Tin-plated copper.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Tolerance	±1% to ±5%
Capacitance	100pF to 10nF (typical range)
Voltage Rating	50V to 200V
Leakage Current	<1nA
Dielectric Absorption	<0.01% to 0.1%
Operating Temperature	-55°C to +125°C
Temperature Coefficient	±50ppm/°C to ±100ppm/°C

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

IEC 60384, MIL-PRF-123

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Sample-and-Hold (S/H) Circuit

An electronic circuit that samples an analog signal at a specific instant and holds that value constant for subsequent processing.

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Sample-and-Hold Circuit

An electronic circuit that captures and holds an analog voltage signal at a specific instant in time for subsequent processing.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Dielectric absorption causing signal error
Leakage current leading to voltage droop
Temperature drift affecting stability
Parasitic inductance/capacitance limiting high-frequency performance

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Dielectric degradation or contamination
Failure: Increased leakage current and dielectric absorption
Mitigation: Use high-quality, stable dielectric materials (e.g., polypropylene); implement rigorous incoming quality control; design with guard rings or low-leakage op-amps.

Trigger: Poor solder joint or mechanical stress
Failure: Intermittent connection or capacitance shift
Mitigation: Follow proper soldering profiles; use strain relief on leads; select capacitors with robust mechanical construction.

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Capacitance tolerance typically ±1% to ±5%; voltage tolerance as per rated DC voltage with derating for reliability.

Test Method

Capacitance measured via LCR meter at specified frequency (e.g., 1kHz); leakage current tested with applied DC voltage; dielectric absorption assessed via charge-hold-discharge-recovery cycle per industry methods.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of Hold Capacitor

Manufacturer profiles associated with Hold Capacitor.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is dielectric absorption important for a hold capacitor?