Dissipation factor
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In physics, the dissipation factor is a measure of the rate of loss of power of a mechanical mode, such as an oscillation, in a dissipative system.
For example, electric power is lost in all dielectric materials, usually in the form of heat. The dissipation factor is expressed as the ratio of the resistive (loss) component of the current to the capacitive component of current, and is equal to the tangent of the loss angle.
It is also referenced as the loss tangent
- tan d,
In capacitors, dissipation factor (DF) is the ratio of a capacitor's resistance (R) to its capacitive reactance (Xc). DF is usually expressed
as a percentage.
DF = (R/Xc) × 100% = (wRC) × 100%
where w is the frequency.
DF will vary depending on the dielectric material. In low dielectric constant (K), temperature compensating, ceramics DF of 0.1 to 0.2% is typical. In high dielectic constant ceramics, DF can be 1 to 2%. However, lower DF is usually an indication of quality capacitors when comparing similar dielectric material.
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