Multiturn PTFE Dielectric Trimmer Capacitors
These capacitors combine the outstanding electrical properties of PTFE with nonferrous metal parts to provide high Q, high DWV, high IR, excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, high resolution, and excellent stability. They are used on industrial and commercial grade equipment.
Filmtrim Plastic Dielectric Capacitors
These capacitors are used on industrial, commercial and consumer grade equipment. These include mobile radios, transmitters, pagers, instruments, electronic games, CATV, and wireless security and fire alarms. They come in a variety of capacitance ranges, sizes, and dielectrics. There are many modifications available, and the cost for commercial/industrial application is low.
Glass PISTONCAP Precision Trimmers
Glass capacitors give very high Q and stability, and they are very resistant to external pressures such as moisture and vibration. There are three dielectrics. The standard glass is least expensive and will suit most applications. If a greater Q or higher capacitance is required, then the more expensive high-range glass would be advisable. For applications involving moderate RF currents, fused quartz is used. Quartz trimmers are about three times more expensive than standard glass trimmers. There are many possible variations on the glass trimmers, with a choice between sealed or unsealed, and a possibility of an expanded range model. Used on military and professional grade equipment.
Microwave Sapphire PISTONCAP® Trimmer Capacitors
Sapphire trimmers have very high Q at UHF and microwave frequencies, and are extremely stable over temperature, frequency, voltage, etc. They are also very small, and they can be very precisely adjusted. However, these capacitors are also very expensive. They are used on military and professional grade equipment. They are frequently used in stable oscillators, frequency multipliers, filters, tuning cavities, and coupling.
Mica Dielectric Compression Trimmer Capacitors
Mica capacitors have high Q, large capacitance ranges, and very good RF current handling capability. They are used on industrial, commercial and consumer grade equipment carrying RF power and/or requiring high capacitance. There are many forms and mounting styles available. The part numbering system differs slightly from the other trimmer capacitors in that there are five categories, with the mounting styles and size identified separately.
Ceramic Dielectric Trimmers
These capacitors are used on industrial, commercial and consumer grade equipment. While they may not be as stable or efficient as some of the other dielectrics, they are very low cost and have a wide selection of capacitance ranges.
