MFD

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

MFD
Stands forMicrofarad
Meanings2
CategoriesUnits & Measurements, Transportation & Travel

MFD has two meanings. It stands for Microfarad (engineering unit) or Multi-function display (aviation).

Meanings of MFD at a glance

#MFD stands forContext
1MicrofaradUnits & Measurements › Engineering Unit
2Multi-function displayTransportation & Travel › Aviation

1. Microfarad

Units & Measurements · Engineering Unit Abbreviations

An older marking for microfarads (millionths of a farad) still printed on motor run and start capacitors in air conditioners, furnaces and pumps. A capacitor marked 45/5 MFD contains two sections of 45 and 5 microfarads.

Example: Replace the dual run capacitor rated 40/5 MFD, 440 VAC.

Also written mfd or uF; the SI symbol is μF. Here the M stands for micro, a pre-SI convention, not for mega. HVAC technicians test capacitors with a multimeter's capacitance setting, and a reading well below the label usually explains a compressor or fan that will not start.

2. Multi-function display

Transportation & Travel · Aviation Abbreviations

Cockpit screen that can show navigation maps, engine data, weather, traffic, terrain, checklists and charts at the pilot's choice. In integrated systems such as the Garmin G1000 it can also take over primary flight information if the PFD fails.

Example: The MFD showed a cell of heavy rain building directly across our route.

Linked PFDs and MFDs together form an EFIS (electronic flight instrument system). Military jets typically surround MFDs with bezel pushbuttons whose functions change with each page. Since the 2000s, glass cockpits with PFD and MFD screens have become standard even in new training aircraft.

More engineering unit abbreviations

  • mAh – Milliampere-hour
  • mbar – Millibar
  • MBH – Thousand BTU per hour
  • Mcf – Thousand cubic feet
  • MHz – Megahertz
  • MJ – Megajoule
  • MMBtu – Million British thermal units
  • mmHg – Millimeter of mercury

See all 103 engineering unit abbreviations →

More aviation abbreviations

  • MDA – Minimum descent altitude
  • MEI – Multiengine instructor
  • MEL – Minimum equipment list
  • METAR – Meteorological Aerodrome Report
  • MRO – Maintenance, repair and overhaul
  • MSL – Mean sea level
  • MTOW – Maximum takeoff weight
  • MVFR – Marginal visual flight rules

See all 142 aviation abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.