Trimmers, Variable Capacitors

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	GMD40200 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 10-80PF 175V TH	0
	GEV60000 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 1-60PF 1000V TH	0
	GNC1R200 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 0.3-1.2PF 500V TH	0
	GMA20600 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 25-115PF 175V TH	0
	GFV75033-S Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 1-75PF 1000V SMD	0
	GWL2R500 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 0.4-2.5PF 500V TH	0
	GME11201 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIM 880-2330PF 250V PNL MNT	0
	GMD40500 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 75-380PF 175V TH	0
	GWF8R050 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 0.8-8PF 500V TH	0
	GME10401 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIM 115-550PF 250V PNL MNT	0
	GMD41400 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 380-1300PF 175V TH	0
	GXF40003 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 4-40PF 200V TH	0
	GFV52033 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 1-52PF 1000V SMD	0
	GSX364NM Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 0.5-4.5PF 100V SMD	0
	GME10601 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIM 275-970PF 250V PNL MNT	0
	GXF40000 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 4-40PF 200V TH	0
	GKG25087-05 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 100V SMD	0
	GMD40800 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 175-680PF 175V TH	0
	GEL90000R Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 1-90PF 1000V TH	0
	GMB40200 Sprague Goodman	CAP TRIMMER 10-80PF 175V TH	0

Trimmers, Variable Capacitors

1. Overview

Trimmer capacitors and variable capacitors are specialized capacitive components with adjustable capacitance values. Trimmers are semi-fixed capacitors designed for infrequent adjustments during device calibration, while variable capacitors allow continuous manual or mechanical tuning. These components are critical in analog circuits, RF systems, and precision electronics, enabling fine-tuning of frequency response, impedance matching, and signal optimization. Their adaptability makes them indispensable in communication systems, industrial control, and measurement instruments.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Ceramic Trimmer Capacitors	Compact size, high stability, ceramic dielectric material	Radio transmitters, oscillator circuits
Film Trimmer Capacitors	Low leakage current, polymer film dielectric	Medical equipment calibration
Air Variable Capacitors	Adjustable plate spacing with air dielectric	AM/FM radio tuning circuits
Film Variable Capacitors	Rotary adjustment mechanism, plastic film dielectric	Signal generators, test equipment
Electrolytic Variable Capacitors	Polarized design with liquid/gel electrolyte	Power supply filtering systems

3. Structure and Composition

Typical trimmer capacitors use a ceramic or polymer dielectric sandwiched between metal plates, with a screwdriver-adjustable electrode for capacitance variation. Variable capacitors employ either rotating plate systems (air dielectric) or compressible film stacks. Key components include:

Dielectric material (ceramic, polypropylene, polystyrene)
Movable electrode assembly (rotary/sliding contact)
Calibration scale for precise adjustment
Protective housing (epoxy, plastic, or metal casing)

4. Key Technical Parameters

Parameter	Description	Importance
Capacitance Range	Adjustable capacitance limits (e.g., 1-10 pF)	Determines circuit tuning flexibility
Rated Voltage	Maximum operating voltage (50-200V typical)	Affects reliability and dielectric breakdown resistance
Temperature Coefficient	Capacitance variation per C ( 5 to 100 ppm/ C)	Impacts frequency stability
Adjustment Resolution	Minimum achievable capacitance change	Critical for precision calibration
Mechanical Life	Number of adjustment cycles before failure	Dictates component longevity in dynamic applications

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: RF filters, antenna matching networks
Consumer Electronics: Radio frequency tuning circuits, audio equalizers
Industrial Control: Sensor calibration, power factor correction
Medical Equipment: Diagnostic imaging device signal conditioning
Automotive: Ignition system tuning, radar calibration

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Features
KEMET	TR3 Series	Ceramic trimmers with 0.5-12 pF range
AVX	VT Series	Vacuum variable capacitors to 1000 pF
Murata	7WT Series	Sub-miniature trimmers for SMT applications
EPCOS	B4350 Series	High-voltage variable capacitors (2000V rating)

7. Selection Guidelines

Determine required capacitance range and adjustment precision
Evaluate environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, humidity)
Select appropriate dielectric material for stability requirements
Consider packaging type (through-hole vs. surface-mount)
Assess mechanical actuation needs (manual vs. motorized tuning)
Verify voltage rating exceeds circuit requirements

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

The market is shifting toward miniaturization (sub-1mm components), enhanced digital control integration, and improved temperature stability ( 5 ppm/ C specifications becoming standard). Emerging applications in 5G infrastructure and IoT devices are driving demand for ultra-low-loss trimmers. Material innovations like nanoceramic dielectrics and MEMS-based variable capacitors are expected to dominate next-generation designs. Environmental regulations are also pushing manufacturers toward lead-free and RoHS-compliant packaging solutions.