Let’s face it—passive components are not exactly the stars of the electronics industry. They occupy valuable—and often power-sensitive—space in a system, and their costs can add up in high-power designs. On top of that, they rarely perform exactly as specified in the datasheet. While new power semiconductors such as GaN and SiC can reduce reliance on passives, they can’t eliminate them entirely.
In today’s top story, we take a closer look at capacitors and, more specifically, tantalum capacitors. Choosing the right one is critical to ensuring the long-term reliability of power systems. Knowing when to apply design techniques such as voltage derating is also key. In another story, analog expert Paul Rako zooms in on snubber capacitors, which can be effective both for circuit protection and EMI reduction.
When it comes to capacitors and other passive components, you want them to perform in a predictable way. But in real-world conditions, that’s not always the case. To learn more, we consulted a technical article from the archives that explains why these components sometimes act out and what that means for engineers. It’s the first in a three-part series from former contributor Bill Laumeister, who also delves into the intricacies of resistors, inductors, and other parts that everyone puts into the "passives" category.
-James Morra, Senior Editor
