capacitor
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
I'm trying to find the equivalent capacitor for this diagram but I'm having a little trouble understanding what capacitor is parallel/in series to what capacitor.
I know the equations. From looking at this I believe C1 and C2 together are parallel as are C3 and C4 together. Would the resulting two equivalent capacitors then be in series with each other?
Here is some 'simplification of the circuit'
That is the first simplification.
simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab
The second simplification
The furthest simplification, assuming C1/C4=C2/C3
Here are the results C1+C4=C3+C2=C/2
nodes BC= C6+2*(C/2)=C+C=2C
I think I have drawn the circuit correctly. Read this for more information on circuits like these.
Sometimes you see electrolytics in series to increase the overall voltage rating: -
Here you see five 50V rated caps in series. Note that bleed resistors are needed to equalize the voltage sharing evenly.
Having two series strings of capacitors is just a means of doubling the value.
Best Answer
That is correct. The wire across the "bar" of the H is (in an ideal circuit) topologically the same as a single point, so the network has two sets of parallel capacitors in series.