Dielectric Absorption in Memory Capacitors

Experience from experiments with a sample and hold circuit showed that dielectric absorption constitutes a fundamental limitation of the accuracy in analog memories. To gain more insight into the problem several materials commonly used as dielectrics in capacitors have been investigated. The theory of dielectric absorption is discussed. Results from measurements on capacitors with paper, cellulose acetate, parylene, polyester, polycarbonate, and polystyrene dielectrics are reported. The components in Dow's model, which describes the dielectric absorption, are calculated for the polycarbonate dielectric. A compensation circuit is suggested, which considerably reduces the effect of dielectric absorption in analog memories and electronic integrators.