kapacitansmätare

A kapacitansmätare, often translated as capacitance meter, is an electronic instrument used to measure capacitance. Capacitance is a measure of the ability of a component, typically a capacitor, to store an electric charge. This stored charge is proportional to the voltage across the component. Capacitance is measured in farads (F), although practical units are usually microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), or picofarads (pF).

Capacitance meters work on various principles. Many modern digital capacitance meters employ an oscillation method. They introduce a known current or voltage to the capacitor under test and measure the time it takes for the capacitor to charge or discharge to a specific voltage level. This time is directly related to the capacitance. Other methods include using an AC bridge circuit where the unknown capacitance is balanced against known reference capacitors.

These instruments are essential tools in electronics for verifying component values, troubleshooting circuits, and in manufacturing for quality control. They are used by hobbyists, technicians, and engineers. When using a capacitance meter, it is crucial to ensure that the capacitor being tested is completely discharged to prevent damage to the meter or inaccurate readings. Most capacitance meters have a range selection feature to accommodate a wide variety of capacitance values.