- square wave generator (for example 100 Hz),
- resistor - 10kohm 1%, you must know precisely resistance
- oscilloscope
Measure schematic |
voltage on the capacitor is equal to:
voltage on the resistor is equal to
Time charging or discharging the capacitor through the resistor is equal to:
T = RC
T - time when capacitor is charged to 63,2% of square wave amplitude [second]
R - resistance [ohm]
C - capacity [farad]
When we know time (T) we can easy equal the capacity:
C = T / R
Before I start testing capacitor I precisely measure resistance of resistor
Measure of resistor |
R = 9,9595 kohm
My testing board |
1 Measure voltage peak to peak of wave, in my case Vp-p = 5.16V
You must equal 63.2% of Vp-p,
Vm = Vp-p * 63.2%/100%
Vm = 3.26V
2 Now use cursors functionality in your oscilloscope and measure time between start rising curve and voltage measurement point (Vm = 3.26V in my case).
T = 100 microsec (see delta X in the picture)
3 Equal the capacity:
C = T / R
C = 0.0000100 / 9959.5 = 0.000000001004 [F] = 10.04 [nF]
My measured capacitor have value 10 nF 1%