Definition
A type of feedback in an electronic circuit in which a portion of the output signal is returned to the input through a capacitor. Because a capacitor passes alternating current (AC) more readily as frequency increases, capacitive feedback is frequency-dependent and is used in oscillators, filters, and amplifier stages to control gain, shape frequency response, or sustain oscillation.
Plain English
Some of the signal coming out of a circuit is sent back to the input through a small component called a capacitor. The capacitor lets higher-frequency signals through more easily than lower ones, so the circuit can be tuned to behave a certain way.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft radio, audio, and electronic circuit troubleshooting, especially when an unwanted signal is being fed back inside the equipment.
Derivation
Capacitive comes from capacitor, the component that stores electrical charge between two plates. Feedback simply means part of the output is fed back to the input. Together the term describes feedback delivered through a capacitor rather than through a wire or resistor.
Why Pilots Care
Unwanted capacitive feedback can cause noise, squeals, unstable operation, or incorrect behavior in electronic equipment. A pilot may not repair it, but recognizing the term helps when reading maintenance notes or discussing an avionics problem.
Intuition Check
Feedback here does not mean advice or a report from a person. It means an electrical signal being sent back into an earlier part of the circuit.
Example Sentence 1
The avionics technician traced the squeal in the radio to unwanted capacitive feedback between two closely routed wires.
Example Sentence 2
Capacitive feedback in the circuit kept the signal clean during the preflight avionics check.