Output Filter Capacitors for Mission Critical Applications Written By: Pat Hollenbeck Abstract: The constancy and regularity of output voltage in a DC/DC output network is critical in SMPS (switched-mode power supplies) electronic performance. When different input and output voltages are required in the circuitry, output filter capacitors are required to maintain current uniformity and reduce noise. This document discusses the effect of capacitors on output power quality. It evaluates and provides a comparison of different capacitor technologies, their high reliability qualification availability from COTS+ to space level, and their impact on the output filtering capabilities in switching power supplies primarily used for mission critical applications.
