The capacitors library is one of the component library types within the Component Library included in PI Expert. The Capacitors Component Library contains a number of capacitors suitable for input filtering, output filtering, EMI filtering and general use. Once a capacitor has been added to the library and included in a Component Set you can manually change the output capacitor using the Output Capacitor dialog. You can also Optimize designs using a component set that includes your capacitors.
To open the Capacitors Component Library from the main menu, make sure all designs are closed and select the Capacitors tab from Tools | Component Library.
See the Component Library topic for more information on using the component library.
PI Expert chooses the most suitable capacitor type during optimization. This means that the capacitor type influences where the capacitor will be used in the design.
General Purpose category contains capacitors that are used for the Bias winding.
High Voltage Aluminum Electrolytic capacitors generally have voltage rating greater than 200 V and are used for the input filter capacitor.
The Low ESR and Super low ESR capacitor category contain capacitors which are normally used for output filtering where minimizing the ESR and its effects (output voltage ripple, reduced efficiency, self heating) is important.
The high voltage ceramic capacitors are used in the clamp design where high voltage, low capacitance values are needed.
The low voltage ceramic capacitors are used in the Feedback circuit.
X Class capacitors are reserved for conducted EMI filtering purposes due to their safety rating.
Y-Class capacitors are of enhanced electrical and mechanical reliability and they are suitable for use in situations, where failure of the capacitor could lead to danger.
You can change the capacitor chosen by PI Expert to any other capacitor with similar parameters from the Capacitors Component Library. See Input Capacitors and Output Capacitors for instructions about capacitors replacement.
As discussed in the Component Library topic, PI Expert does not allow you to modify or delete the default components. You can only view the parameters of a selected capacitor by clicking the View button. You can add custom capacitors to Capacitors Component Library by clicking the Add button in the Component Library dialog. You will be presented with the Capacitor Parameters dialog where you can input all the relevant specifications for a capacitor. See the Component Library topic for more information on adding and editing components.
You can specify the following capacitor parameters:
Type - The type of capacitor, as discussed in Capacitor Types.
Rated Voltage - The maximum voltage that the capacitor can withstand across its terminals, in Volts DC.
Rated Ripple - The maximum ripple current the capacitor is rated for, in milliamps (mA).
Rated Life - The capacitor's usable lifetime at the maximum rated temperature, in hours (Hrs).
Rated Temp - The maximum operating temperature, in degrees Celsius (° C).
Capacitance - The capacitor's capacitance value, in pico, nano or microfarads.
ESR - The effective series resistance of the capacitor, in milliohms (mΩ)
Size - The physical dimensions of the capacitor: diameter D and the length L of the can, in millimeters (mm).
Tolerance - The percentage that the capacitance is allowed to deviate from its specified value.
The following settings are common to all component type parameter dialogs:
Manufacturer - The name of the company that manufactures the component.
Part Number - The part number that uniquely identifies the component.
Click OK to add the custom capacitor to the library. The 
User mark will indicate the custom capacitor in the component list.