What Is a Decoupling Capacitor?
A decoupling capacitor is an essential component in electronic circuits, designed to ensure stability between the power supply and ground. Its primary function is to mitigate high-frequency noise and voltage spikes that can disrupt circuit operation.
A decoupling capacitor acts as a local energy reservoir for integrated circuits (ICs) by being strategically placed in parallel with the power supply line and ground. It swiftly absorbs and neutralizes noise and sudden demand spikes in current, which are common when ICs switch states rapidly. This action helps to maintain a consistent power supply to all parts of the circuit, crucial for preserving signal integrity and preventing interference among components.
These capacitors vary in capacitance from a few picofarads (pF) to several microfarads (μF), enabling them to block unwanted high-frequency signals effectively while maintaining overall circuit stability.