Noise

Bypass capacitor basics

A bypass capacitor (aka “filter cap”) is a small capacitor that dampens electrical noise moving toward an IC. Electrical noise can cause circuit malfunctions. Unless otherwise specified in the data sheet of an IC, a 0.1 µF non-polarized ceramic capacitor usually makes a good bypass capacitor.

Power Supplies 101

What are the components of a basic power supply subsystem?

  1. Source of power - battery, AC adapter, solar
  2. Input electronic noise filtering circuit
  3. Voltage regulator to provide a constant supply voltage
  4. Output electronic noise filtering circuit

What are the design considerations for a battery-operated circuit?

How many Amp-Hours of capacity are needed?