Enter the relative dielectric constant, the wire separation, and the wire diameter into the calculator to determine the parallel wire capacitance.

Parallel Wire Capacitance Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Parallel Wire Capacitance.

C = (120/SQRT(dc))*acosh(s/d)*3.333*SQRT(dc)

  • Where C is the parallel wire capacitance
  • dc is the relative dielectric constant
  • s is the wire separation (mm)
  • d is the diameter of the wires (mm)

What is a Parallel Wire Capacitance?

Definition:

A parallel wire capacitor is a type of electrical capacitor that is an electrical component that stores energy in the form of an electrostatic field. It consists of two parallel wires, often twisted around each other, which serve as its electrodes.

How to Calculate Parallel Wire Capacitance?

Parallel Wire Capacitance (Cp) is the capacitance of two adjacent wires. It’s calculated by multiplying the area of separation between both wires by the distance between them. Cp = A x d

A is the area of separation between both wires, and d is the distance between them.

For example, if two adjacent wires each have a width of 12mm and they’re separated by a distance of 6mm, then the Parallel Wire Capacitance would be: Cp = π x (12 mm) x (6 mm) = 216.23 pF

FAQ

What factors affect the capacitance of a parallel wire capacitor?

The capacitance of a parallel wire capacitor is influenced by several factors including the relative dielectric constant of the material between the wires, the separation distance between the wires, and the diameter of the wires themselves. Changes in any of these parameters can significantly alter the capacitance value.

Can parallel wire capacitance be used in high-frequency applications?

Yes, parallel wire capacitors are suitable for high-frequency applications such as radio frequency (RF) circuits. Their structure allows for minimal inductance, making them ideal for storing and filtering high-frequency signals.

How does the relative dielectric constant affect parallel wire capacitance?

The relative dielectric constant (dc) is a measure of a material’s ability to store electrical energy in an electric field. A higher relative dielectric constant means that the material can store more electrical energy, resulting in a higher capacitance value for the parallel wire capacitor. This is why materials with a high relative dielectric constant are often used as insulators between the wires in capacitors.