Some common reasons for using capacitors include: Energy Storage: Capacitors store electrical energy in an electric field when they are charged. This stored energy can be released rapidly when needed, making capacitors useful for providing short bursts of power in electronic devices.
They can also be used in charge pump circuits as the energy storage element in the generation of higher voltages than the input voltage. Capacitors are connected in parallel with the DC power circuits of most electronic devices to smooth current fluctuations for signal or control circuits.
Beyond the primary role of ensuring safety, safety capacitors are selected based on circuit requirements and function to safeguard the circuit from transient voltage spikes by diverting the excess energy to ground. In addition, safety capacitors filter electromagnetic interference (EMI).
In Medical Devices In medical electronics, capacitors are utilized in imaging equipment, defibrillators, pacemakers, and other life-saving devices. They assist in energy storage, signal conditioning, and voltage regulation, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of medical technology.
Capacitors are connected in parallel with the DC power circuits of most electronic devices to smooth current fluctuations for signal or control circuits. Audio equipment, for example, uses several capacitors in this way, to shunt away power line hum before it gets into the signal circuitry.
Reservoir capacitors are used in power supplies where they smooth the output of a full or half wave rectifier. They can also be used in charge pump circuits as the energy storage element in the generation of higher voltages than the input voltage.
OverviewHazards and safetyEnergy storagePulsed power and weaponsPower conditioningPower factor correctionSuppression and couplingMotor starters
Capacitors may retain a charge long after power is removed from a circuit; this charge can cause dangerous or even potentially fatal shocks or damage connected equipment. For example, even a seemingly innocuous device such as a disposable camera flash unit powered by a 1.5 volt AA battery contains a capacitor which may be charged to over 300 volts. This is easily capable of delivering a shock. Service procedures for electronic devices usually include instructions to disc…