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IntroductionThe mass air flow sensor, also known as the air flow meters, is one of the important sensors of the electronic jet engine. It converts the inhaled air flow into electrical signals and sends them to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As one of the basic signals to determine fuel injection, it is a sensor to measure the inhaled air flow into the engine.      CatalogIntroductionCatalogⅠ OverviewⅡ Structural PrincipleⅢ The Structure of the Valve Type Air Flow SensorⅣ Karman Scroll Air Flow SensorⅤ Measuring RangeⅥ Detection PrincipleⅦ Ultrasonic Karman Vortex Air Flow SensorⅧ Karman Vortex Type Air Flow Sensor for Pressure Change DetectionⅨ FAQⅠOverviewIn order to obtain the best concentration of the mixture under various operating conditions, the electronically controlled gasoline injection engine must accurately measure the amount of air inhaled into the engine at each moment, which is the main basis for the ECU to calculate (control) the amount of fuel injection.  If the air flow sensor or circuit fails and the ECU does not get the correct intake signal, it will not be able to control the fuel injection properly, which will cause the mixture to be too thick or too thin, and the engine will not operate properly. There are many types of air flow sensors in the electronic controlled gasoline injection system. According to their structure types, the common air flow sensors can be divided into blade (wing) type, core type, hot-wire type, hot film type, Karman vortex type, etc.                     Ⅱ Structural PrincipleIn the electronic controlled fuel injection device, the mass air flow sensor, which measures the amount of air absorbed by the engine, is one of the important components to determine the control precision of the system. When the control precision of the air-fuel ratio (A/F) of the air and mixture inhaled by the engine is specified as ±1.0, the allowable error of the system is ±6[%]~7[%]. When the allowable error is distributed to each component of the system, the allowable error of the air flow sensor is ±2[%]~3[%]. The ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the air flow rate inhaled by a gasoline engine is 40-50 in a natural intake system, and 60-70 in a supercharged system. In this range, the air flow rate of the sensor should be able to maintain a measurement accuracy of ±2~3[%]. The air flow sensor used in the electronic control fuel injection device should not only maintain the measurement accuracy over a wide measurement range, but also have excellent measurement response and can be measured. For pulsating air flow, the output signal processing should be simple. According to the different characteristics of the air flow sensor, the fuel control system is divided into L-type control for direct measurement of air intake volume and D-type control for indirect measurement of air intake volume (indirect measurement of air intake according to the negative pressure of the intake manifold and the engine speed).                                                           The microcomputer ROM in the D-type control mode stores in advance the intake air volume under various conditions based on the engine speed and the pressure in the intake pipe. The microcomputer is based on the measured operation. The intake pressure and speed in the state, referrring to the intake volume memorized by ROM, can calculate the fuel volume. The air flow meter used for L-type control is basically the same as the general industrial flow sensor, but it can adapt to the harsh environment of the car, but it is the response requirements for the rapid changes in the flow rate that occur during the throttle and the requirements for high-precision detection in the uneven airflow caused by the shape of the intake manifold before and after the sensor. The original electronic fuel injection control system did not use a microcomputer. It was an analog circuit. At that time, a valve-type air flow sensor was used, but several other air flow sensors emerged as microcomputers were used to control fuel injection.Ⅲ The Structure of the Valve Type Air Flow SensorThe valve type air flow sensor is mounted on the gasoline engine and installed between the air filter and the throttle. Its function is to detect the air intake of the engine and convert the detection results into electrical signals, which are then input into the microcomputer. The sensor is composed of an air flow meter and potentiometer. Look at the working process of the air flow sensor first. The air drawn in by the air filter rushes to the valve, and the valve turns to stop at the position where the intake is balanced by the return spring. In other words, the opening of the valve is proportional to the intake.  A potentiometer is also installed on the rotating shaft of the valve, and the sliding arm of the potentiometer rotates synchronously with the valve. The voltage drop of the sliding resistance is used to convert the opening of the measuring piece into an electrical signal, which is then input into the control circuit.Ⅳ Karman Scroll Air Flow SensorIn order to overcome the shortcomings of the valve type air flow sensor, that is, under the premise of ensuring measurement accuracy, expanding the measurement range and eliminating the sliding contact, a small and lightweight air flow sensor has been developed, namely the Karman Vortex Air Flow Sensor. The Karman vortex is a physical phenomenon. The vortex detection method and electronic control circuit have nothing to do with the detection accuracy. The air path area and the size change of the vortex column determine the detection accuracy. Because the output of such a sensor is an electronic signal (frequency), the AD converter can be eliminated when the signal is input to the control circuit of the system. Therefore, in essence, the Karman vortex air flow sensor is a signal suitable for microcomputer processing. This sensor has the following three advantages: high test precision, which can output linear signal and signal processing is simple; long-term use and performance will not change; because it detects volume flow, it does not need to correct temperature and atmospheric pressure.                                     The principle of flow detection of this air flow sensor is that when a Karman vortex is generated, it follows the change of speed and pressure. The basic principle of flow detection is to make use of the velocity change. The signal waveform output from the air flow sensor to the control module is shown in the figure. The signal is a square wave and a digital signal. The more air intake, the higher the frequency of the Karman vortex, and the higher the frequency of the output signal of the air flow sensor. The temperature and pressure compensation air flow sensor, mainly used for industrial pipeline flow measurement of medium fluid, such as gas, liquid, vapor and other media. It is characterized by small pressure loss, large range, high precision, and is almost unaffected by fluid density, pressure, temperature, viscosity and other parameters when measuring volume flow in working conditions.Features of the Karman Vortex Flow Meter                                There are no movable mechanical parts, so the reliability is high and the maintenance is small. The instrument parameters can be stable for a long time. This instrument adopts piezoelectric stress sensor, which has high reliability and can work in the working temperature range of -10℃~+300℃. There are analog standard signals and digital pulse signal outputs, which are easy to use with digital systems such as computers. It is a relatively advanced and ideal flow. The biggest advantage of the air flow sensor is that the meter coefficient is not affected by the physical properties of the measuring medium, and can be extended from a typical medium to other mediums. However, the frequency range is also very different because of the great difference between liquid and gas velocity ranges. In the amplifier circuit that processes the vortex signal, the passband of the filter is different, and the circuit parameters are also different. Therefore, the same circuit parameter cannot be used to measure different media.Ⅴ Measuring Range             Ⅵ Detection PrincipleOverhead power lines in the field whine when blown by the wind. The higher the wind speed is, the higher the sound frequency will be. This is because the air flows through the wire and forms a vortex. This phenomenon can occur in liquid, gas and other fluids, which can be used to make a vortex flow sensor. After the column is placed in the tube, two rows of vortices are formed, and the flow rate can be measured according to the frequency of occurrence of the vortices. Because the vortex turns into two parallel rows and alternates left and right, similar to the street lights on both sides of the street, it is called the vortex street. Because this phenomenon was first discovered by Karman, it is also called Karman Vortex Street.                                  Karman Vortex StreetⅦ Ultrasonic Karman Vortex Air Flow SensorThe ultrasonic air flow sensor is provided with two intake channels, the main channel and the side channel. The detection part of the intake flow is located on the main channel. The purpose of setting the side channel is to adjust the flow of the main channel so as to make the detection characteristics of the main channel present an ideal state. That is to say, for engines with different exhaust volume, one specification of air flow sensor can be used to cover a variety of engines by changing the cross-section size of the air flow sensor channel. The Karman vortex generator is composed of triangular columns and several vortex amplifiers on the main channel. On both sides of the place where the Karman vortex is generated, the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver belonging to the electronic detection device are arranged oppositely. These two components can also be classified into the sensor. The electrical signal generated by the two electronic sensors is passed through the air. The control circuit (hybrid integrated circuit) of the flow sensor is shaped and amplified into an ideal waveform, and then input to the microcomputer. In order to detect vortices by ultrasound, sound-absorbing materials are glued to the inner wall of the vortex channel to prevent irregular reflections of ultrasonic waves.Ⅷ Karman Vortex Type Air Flow Sensor for Pressure Change DetectionThe vortex occurs alternately from both ends of the vortex generator, so the pressure at both ends of the vortex generator also alternately changes. This pressure change is guided to the mirror cavity through the pressure guide hole on the cone-shaped column on the downstream side of the vortex generator. In the mirror cavity, the mirror in the mirror cavity is tensioned with a very thin tension band, so distortion and vibration appear on the tension band. In addition, a leaf spring is used to apply appropriate tension to the tension band. Pressure changes other than vibration and scroll pressure are difficult to affect, so stable torsion and vibration can be obtained. The pressure formed by the vortex passes through the pressure guide hole to the reflector cavity, and the pressure changes synchronously with that in the reflector, and the reflector twists and vibrates in the tension band. The reflector is very lightweight and can operate even at low flow rates and very small pressure changes. On the upper part of the reflector, a light sensor composed of light-emitting diodes and phototransistors is correspondingly arranged. When the light emitted by the diode is reflected by the reflector and hits the phototransistor, it will become a current and output after the waveform circuit.Ⅸ FAQ1. What is the difference between the MAF sensor and the oxygen sensor?The MAF is the Mass Air Flow sensor and just as the name implies the sensor measures the mass of air going into the engine at the sensor (this is important because vacuum leaks or unmetered air is unaccounted for on the MAF sensor). Typically it uses a heated element and the air moving across the element cools it to "measure" the incoming air, however, vane style meters existed in the earlier days of electronic fuel injection. There are upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The upstream sensor is responsible for checking the exhaust output of the engine. If there is too much fuel left in the exhaust the O2 sensor sends that information to the ECU and it will "trim" it out. If the O2 sensor samples the exhaust and there is too much oxygen in the exhaust stream then the sensor sends that info to the ECU and it will command more fuel. The downstream O2 sensor is present to monitor the condition of the catalytic converter(s). If it is out of range the ECU will flag it and the check engine light will illuminate. This is a very simple, quick, overview of the sensors but should give you a basic idea of their operation. 2. What are the symptoms of a bad mass airflow sensor?A faulty mass airflow sensor will cause problems similar to low compression or low vacuum, and will also show symptoms similar to when your vehicle has low fuel pressure from a faulty fuel pump. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a faulty mass airflow sensor:The engine is very hard to start or turn overThe engine stalls shortly after startingThe engine hesitates or drags while under load or idleHesitation and jerking during accelerationThe engine hiccupsExcessively rich or lean idling 3. How does a MAF sensor work?Installed in the intake pipe between the air filter housing and the intake manifold, most MAF sensors work on the hot wire principle. Put simply, a MAF has two sensing wires. One is heated by an electrical current, the other is not. As air flows across the heated wire, it cools down. When the temperature difference between the two sensing wires changes, the MAF sensor automatically increases or decreases the current to the heated wire to compensate. The current is then changed to a frequency or a voltage that is sent to the ECU and interpreted as airflow. The quantity of air entering the engine is adjusted accordingly. 4. Can a car run without a mass airflow sensor?Well, the answer to that is no. If you disconnect the mass airflow sensor, then the car should keep running and still be able to start normally. This means that if your mass airflow sensor dies completely, then your car will stay running and surprisingly the car might run better without the mass airflow sensor. 5. Why a MAF sensor needs to be replaced?If the sensor gets dirty, it won’t be able to read the airflow. When the MAF sensor doesn’t work, the engine may idle roughly, hesitate, and have difficulty starting. It may even stall on you while driving, which is no fun. The most common cause for the sensor to become dirty is an air filter that doesn’t get replaced when needed. When the air filter is clogged, it allows more dirt and debris to slip by and accumulate on the sensor. Routine maintenance and air filter replacement can extend the life of your MAF sensor and ensure it continues to work correctly. While the exact timing varies based on where and how much you drive, a good rule to follow is every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. 6. What will a bad mass airflow sensor do?A contaminated or failed mass air flow sensor cannot measure the amount of air flow correctly. This causes the engine computer to miscalculate the amount of injected fuel. As a result, a bad mass air flow sensor causes various driveability problems, including a no-start, stalling, lack of power and poor acceleration. 7. Will a bad mass airflow sensor cause a misfire?If an oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor is failing, it could give incorrect data to your engine's computer, causing the misfire. When a vacuum line is broken, it can cause a fuel-injected motor to misfire. ... Replacing a vacuum line that's gone bad can potentially resolve the misfire. 8. How long does it take for the mass air flow sensor to reset?When you change a MAF sensor, you need to disconnect the battery for about 10 minutes so the computer forgets the learned parameters and resets to the factory parameters. Then it goes into learn mode and may take a little while before it learns all the parameters of the new MAF sensor. 9. How long can I drive with MAF unplugged?When you unplug the MAF, the computer goes to a default value stored in your memory. Your fuel economy will probably suffer a little bit, but no big issues. You're OK for a week or two, but replace the MAF with a proper TDI unit. The long-term effect is that the car does not operate to its full potential. 10. Can you bypass a MAF sensor?There is a sensor on the air intake called the mass air flow sensor. This sensor calculates how much air to mix with the fuel. You can bypass the MAF sensor, and allow the O2 sensor to calculate how much air is needed. 

2026 Executive Summary: Discharging a capacitor safely is a critical maintenance step to prevent severe electrical shocks and equipment damage. In 2026, with the rapid expansion of high-voltage EV inverters and renewable energy grid systems, proper discharge protocols using dedicated resistors or discharge tools are more important than ever. This guide covers the working principles, safety procedures, and step-by-step methods for discharging both low and high-voltage capacitors safely.IntroductionMaintenance technicians and electronics hobbyists frequently experience electrical shocks from devices long after they have been unplugged. The primary component responsible for this dangerous phenomenon is the capacitor. From industrial power capacitors and modern EV inverter filter capacitors to the graphite coating of legacy CRT televisions, capacitors can store lethal amounts of electrical charge (often exceeding 300V) in fractions of a second. If maintenance personnel accidentally touch a charged terminal, the resulting electric shock can cause severe secondary injuries, such as falls or involuntary contact with other live circuits. Therefore, verifying zero energy state and manually discharging the capacitor is a mandatory safety protocol before beginning any repair work. This article details the industry-standard methods for safely discharging capacitors, explains the underlying physics of capacitance, and outlines the working principles of various capacitor types used in 2026. If you need to calculate the exact discharge rate of a capacitor under a known capacitance and charge it through a fixed value resistor, we recommend using Apogeeweb's Capacitor Safety Discharge Calculator.Figure 1. Apogeeweb's Capacitor Safety Discharge CalculatorTable of ContentsIntroductionTable of ContentsI. How Does a Capacitor Charge and Discharge?II. How to Safely Discharge a Capacitor?  2.1 Discharge Method After the Capacitor is Cut Off  2.2 Critical Safety Notes for Capacitor Discharge  2.3 The Physics of the Charging and Discharging ProcessIII. Three Methods to Discharge High Voltage Capacitors  3.1 What is a High Voltage Capacitor?  3.2 Step-by-Step High Voltage Discharge MethodsIV. How to Discharge Low Voltage Capacitors?  4.1 Short-circuiting with Wires  4.2 Using a Digital Multimeter  4.3 Safety PrecautionsV. How to Discharge a Filter Capacitor?  5.1 Discharge Techniques for Filter Capacitors  5.2 Calculating Charge and Discharge Time ConstantsVI. Fast Discharge Methods for Power Compensation and Electrolytic CapacitorsVII. How Does a Capacitor Bank Discharge Coil Work?  7.1 Principle of Capacitor Bank Discharge Coils  7.2 Influence of the Connection ModeVIII. How to Test Capacitors Using the Discharge PrincipleIX. Test Your Knowledge: Capacitor QuizX. Frequently Asked QuestionsI. How Does a Capacitor Charge and Discharge?When a capacitor charges, it stores electrical energy in an electrostatic field between two conductive plates, and when it discharges, it releases this stored energy back into the circuit to power a load. A capacitor is a passive electronic component composed of two conductive parallel plates separated by an insulating dielectric material.Figure 2. The Function of CapacitorsDuring the charging process, the power supply forces charged particles through the circuit, causing the potential difference between the two plates to gradually approach the voltage of the power source. Ultimately, opposite polarities of charge accumulate on the plates, bound by the dielectric, storing electrical energy as an electrostatic field. During the discharge process, the capacitor acts as a temporary power source. It moves the stored charged particles through a closed circuit, neutralizing the potential difference between the plates. The electrostatic field collapses, and the stored energy is converted into work consumed by the connected electrical load.II. How to Safely Discharge a Capacitor?To safely discharge a capacitor, you must create a controlled closed loop using a high-wattage resistor or a dedicated discharge tool to slowly neutralize the stored potential difference without creating dangerous sparks. Watch this demonstration video first:A practical capacitor lesson demonstrating the effects of uncontrolled discharge.2.1 Discharge Method After the Capacitor is Cut OffWhen a capacitor is disconnected from an energized circuit, it retains its stored voltage. If the circuit contains bleed resistors or other continuous loads, it will discharge slowly. Otherwise, it must be discharged manually by creating a short circuit through a resistive load (or a direct wire for very low voltages). When discharging, the external circuit and the capacitor form a closed loop. The excess electrons (negative charges) travel toward the positive electrode to achieve electrostatic balance. This current flow neutralizes the charges on both ends of the capacitor. Once neutralization is complete, the electric field disappears. However, because real-world circuits always contain some resistance, the charge decays exponentially. It trends infinitely toward zero but technically never reaches absolute zero, though it quickly drops to safe handling levels.Figure 3. Discharge Tools2.2 Critical Safety Notes for Capacitor DischargeAfter the capacitor is disconnected from the main bus, it must be discharged through a high-wattage discharge resistor or a special voltage transformer.Discharge must occur between the lead wires of the capacitor, and subsequently between the lead wires and the metal casing.The capacitor should be physically grounded only after the initial resistive discharge is complete.Before handling the capacitor, a test discharge must be performed by holding the discharge rod on the terminals for several seconds.Even if both sides of a capacitor bank are grounded, residual charges can remain. Each individual capacitor in a parallel group must be discharged separately.Exercise extreme caution with damaged capacitors. Internal disconnections can prevent standard grounding devices from fully discharging the unit.If the capacitor enclosure features an interlocking safety device, ensure the protective fence is only opened after the entire system is verified as grounded.2.3 The Physics of the Charging and Discharging ProcessSuppose a capacitor has upper and lower plates, with the upper plate connected to the positive electrode and the lower plate to the negative electrode. Upon connection to a DC power supply, a potential difference forms. The positive charges remain stationary in the atomic lattice, while the negative charges (electrons) are repelled from the negative terminal of the supply and accumulate on the bottom plate. This electron movement creates a growing potential difference across the plates. The voltage increases until it perfectly matches the power supply voltage, at which point the capacitor is fully charged and current ceases to flow. After disconnecting the power, the dielectric insulation prevents the charges from recombining. The potential difference persists until a conductive path is provided. When we discharge the capacitor by connecting the plates with a wire or resistor, electrons flow from the negatively charged plate back to the positive plate until electrostatic equilibrium is restored.Figure 4. Charge and DischargeIII. Three Methods to Discharge High Voltage Capacitors3.1 What is a High Voltage Capacitor?High-voltage capacitors are heavy-duty components designed to handle extreme electrical loads, commonly found in microwave ovens, medical imaging equipment, and modern EV charging infrastructure. They consist of outlet porcelain bushings, capacitive element groups, and a sealed steel shell. The internal elements use capacitor paper, film-paper composites, or pure synthetic films as the dielectric, with aluminum or platinum plates. To meet high withstand voltage requirements (often exceeding 10kV), internal capacitive elements are connected in series or parallel. Many modern high-voltage capacitors are equipped with internal bleed resistors designed to reduce residual voltage below 75V within 10 minutes of disconnection, though manual discharge remains a mandatory safety requirement.Figure 5. Microwave High Voltage Capacitor3.2 Step-by-Step High Voltage Discharge MethodsHigh-voltage capacitors must never be short-circuited directly with a screwdriver, as the massive instantaneous current can melt the contacts, vaporize the metal, and cause an explosion. Instead, the energy must be dissipated slowly using a resistive load. Here are three safe methods:Method 1: The High-Wattage Resistor MethodFirst, unplug the electrical power and verify the equipment is isolated from the mains.Obtain a 20,000-ohm, 2-watt (or higher, such as 5W) wire-wound resistor.Using insulated pliers, hold the resistor and touch its probes across the two terminals of the capacitor for several seconds.If the capacitor has three terminals, discharge between the outer terminal and the center terminal, then repeat for the remaining outer terminal.Method 2: The Alligator Clip MethodConnect one end of a high-wattage resistor to an insulated test lead and the other end to an insulated alligator clip. Wrap exposed connections in electrical tape.Clamp the alligator clip securely to the equipment's chassis ground wire.Use the test lead probe to touch the positive terminal of the capacitor. This routes the discharge safely to ground without generating sparks.Note: If discharging multiple capacitors consecutively, the resistor will generate significant heat. Use a 5W or 10W resistor for heavy-duty applications.Method 3: The Bulb or Soldering Iron MethodConstruct a discharge rig using a 100-200 watt incandescent bulb (or a 60-80W electric soldering iron) connected to two insulated probes.Touch the probes to the capacitor terminals. The bulb will flash brightly and dim as the capacitor discharges, providing a visual indicator of the voltage drop.Once the bulb is completely dark, verify the voltage is zero using a multimeter.IV. How to Discharge Low Voltage Capacitors?4.1 Short-circuiting with WiresFor low-voltage capacitors operating below 50V or with a capacity under 1μF, you can safely discharge them by directly short-circuiting the two poles with an insulated wire or screwdriver. While a screwdriver is common, it can leave carbonized burn marks on the terminals. Never use this direct short-circuit method for high-voltage or large-capacity capacitors, as the rapid energy release will create dangerous sparks and potentially damage the component.Figure 6. Shortcircuit4.2 Using a Digital MultimeterYou can safely discharge small capacitors using the resistance setting (Ohms) on a digital multimeter. Set the multimeter to a high resistance range (e.g., 100K or 200K ohms) and place the probes on the capacitor terminals. The internal battery of the multimeter will interact with the capacitor, and you will see the resistance reading climb or drop until it stabilizes, indicating the charge has been neutralized. Disconnect the probes immediately after the reading stabilizes to prevent reverse charging.Figure 7. Multimeter4.3 Safety PrecautionsBecause capacitors exhibit dielectric absorption (often called "battery action"), they can slowly rebuild a small residual charge even after being discharged. Always manually discharge a capacitor immediately before handling it, even if the equipment has been unplugged for days. When working with industrial capacitor banks, ensure the circuit breaker and isolation switches are open, and wear appropriately rated insulating gloves.V. How to Discharge a Filter Capacitor?5.1 Discharge Techniques for Filter CapacitorsA filter capacitor is an energy storage device installed at the output of a rectifier circuit to smooth out AC pulsations and provide a stable DC output. In a standard 220V AC to DC power supply, the voltage across the primary filter capacitor can reach approximately 310V DC. To discharge a 310V filter capacitor, the best tool is a 25W electric soldering iron or a dedicated power resistor. A 25W soldering iron has an internal resistance of about 2.2KΩ. According to Ohm's Law (I = U/R), the maximum initial discharge current is 310V / 2200Ω = 140mA. This low current safely drains a several-hundred microfarad capacitor in a few seconds without generating sparks. Avoid using a 25W incandescent bulb for 310V filter capacitors. The cold resistance of a 25W tungsten filament is only about 160Ω, resulting in an instantaneous current surge of nearly 2 amps, which can instantly burn out the filament.Figure 8. Filter Capacitors5.2 Calculating Charge and Discharge Time ConstantsThe charging and discharging time of a filter capacitor is dictated by the RC time constant (T = R × C), where R is the circuit resistance and C is the capacitance. The time required for the capacitor voltage to reach 63.2% of the supply voltage is one time constant. After 5 time constants (5T), the capacitor is considered 99.3% fully charged or discharged. Charging Calculation: If a rectifier diode has an internal forward resistance of 30Ω and the filter capacitor is 2200μF, the charging time constant is Tc = 30Ω × 0.0022F = 0.066 seconds (66ms). Discharging Calculation: If the connected load has a resistance of 300Ω, the discharge time constant is Td = 300Ω × 0.0022F = 0.66 seconds (660ms). It will take approximately 3.3 seconds (5 × 660ms) for the capacitor to fully discharge through the load once power is removed.Figure 9. (a) Charging Curve (b) Discharging CurveFigure 10. Bridge Rectifier CircuitRelated recommendation: Apogeeweb's time constant calculator.VI. Fast Discharge Methods for Power Compensation and Electrolytic Capacitors(1) Power Factor Compensation CapacitorsPower factor compensation capacitors, rated in kVAR, are large non-polar capacitors used to stabilize industrial power grids. Modern units are equipped with internal discharge resistors designed to drop the voltage below 50V within 3 minutes of disconnection. However, technicians must still manually discharge them using a high-power resistor probe before maintenance, as they operate at grid voltages (220V to 480V+).Figure 11. Reactive Power Compensation Supplied by Capacitors(2) Operating Skills for Electrolytic CapacitorsSmall Lead-Type: Can be directly short-circuited, though using a 100-ohm resistor is always safer for the component's lifespan.Snap-in/Horn Type: Use a 220V/60W bulb or a dedicated 1KΩ 5W resistor to discharge slowly.Large Bolt-Type: For high-voltage industrial electrolytics, use a dedicated discharge coil. Alternatively, a long (5-meter) coiled wire with alligator clips can be used; the length and coiling provide enough inductive and resistive load to dissipate the energy as heat safely.VII. How Does a Capacitor Bank Discharge Coil Work?A discharge coil is a mandatory safety device installed in parallel with high-voltage capacitor banks in substations. It rapidly drains the residual charge from the capacitors when they are disconnected from the grid, preventing dangerous overvoltage conditions during re-closing and ensuring the safety of maintenance personnel.7.1 Principle of Capacitor Bank Discharge CoilsThe discharge coil acts as a voltage transformer. Its primary winding is connected across the capacitor bank, bearing the full operating voltage. When the power is cut, the coil provides a low-resistance path for the DC charge to dissipate rapidly. For large capacity capacitor banks (≥1.7Mvar), a dedicated discharge coil must be used instead of a standard voltage transformer (PT) to prevent the PT from overheating and exploding under the massive discharge current.7.2 Influence of the Connection ModeDischarge coils are typically used in 66kV and below power systems. Their secondary windings are often wired in an open delta configuration to provide internal fault protection for the capacitor bank. If the discharge coil is used to directly monitor the capacitor's terminal voltage, jumper connection methods cannot be used, as they would distort the voltage readings required for accurate protective relaying.VIII. How to Test Capacitors Using the Discharge PrincipleYou can test the health of a capacitor (checking for breakdown, leakage, or failure) using an analog multimeter. This test relies on the multimeter's internal battery charging the capacitor, and the subsequent discharge behavior.Normal: The multimeter pointer swings rapidly to the right (low resistance) as the capacitor charges, then slowly returns to "∞" (infinite resistance) as it fully charges and blocks DC current.Leakage: The pointer swings to the right but fails to return all the way to "∞", stopping at a specific resistance value. This indicates the dielectric is leaking current.Open Circuit: The pointer does not move at all and stays at "∞". (Note: Very small capacitors under 5000pF may not show a visible swing on standard meters).Short Circuit: The pointer swings to "0" ohms and stays there, indicating the internal dielectric has completely failed.Figure 12. (a) Normal; (b) Breakdown; (c) FailureIX. Test Your Knowledge: Capacitor QuizWhich of the following determines the charging and discharging rate of a capacitor?a) Time constantb) Currentc) Powerd) VoltageAnswer: aExplanation: The time constant (T = R × C) in an RC circuit dictates the speed of charge and discharge. A smaller time constant results in a faster charging and discharging rate. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the safest tool to discharge a capacitor?The safest tool to discharge a capacitor is a dedicated capacitor discharge pen or a high-wattage resistor (such as a 20,000-ohm, 5-watt resistor) connected to insulated alligator clips. These tools safely dissipate the stored electrical energy as heat without creating dangerous sparks or damaging the capacitor terminals.How long does it take for a capacitor to discharge naturally?A disconnected capacitor can take anywhere from a few minutes to several months to discharge naturally, depending on its internal leakage resistance and dielectric material. Because high-voltage capacitors can retain lethal charges for weeks, you must always manually discharge and verify them with a multimeter before handling.Why shouldn't I use a screwdriver to discharge a capacitor?Using a screwdriver to short-circuit a capacitor causes an instantaneous, uncontrolled energy release. This rapid discharge can generate dangerous sparks, melt the capacitor's terminals, damage the screwdriver, and potentially cause the capacitor to explode. Always use a proper resistive load to control the discharge rate safely.Can a capacitor hold a charge without power?Yes, a capacitor is specifically designed to store electrical energy and will hold its charge long after the main power supply is disconnected. This residual charge acts like a temporary battery, which is why capacitors pose a severe shock hazard in unplugged electronic devices and power supplies.{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph":[ { "@type": "Article", "headline": "How to Safely Discharge a Capacitor: 2026 Guide", "datePublished": "2020-09-10", "dateModified": "2026-03-20", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Apogeeweb" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Apogeeweb" }, "description": "A comprehensive 2026 guide on how to safely discharge high and low voltage capacitors, including step-by-step methods, safety tools, and the physics of RC time constants." }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity":[ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the safest tool to discharge a capacitor?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The safest tool to discharge a capacitor is a dedicated capacitor discharge pen or a high-wattage resistor (such as a 20,000-ohm, 5-watt resistor) connected to insulated alligator clips. These tools safely dissipate the stored electrical energy as heat without creating dangerous sparks or damaging the capacitor terminals." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take for a capacitor to discharge naturally?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A disconnected capacitor can take anywhere from a few minutes to several months to discharge naturally, depending on its internal leakage resistance and dielectric material. Because high-voltage capacitors can retain lethal charges for weeks, you must always manually discharge and verify them with a multimeter before handling." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why shouldn't I use a screwdriver to discharge a capacitor?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Using a screwdriver to short-circuit a capacitor causes an instantaneous, uncontrolled energy release. This rapid discharge can generate dangerous sparks, melt the capacitor's terminals, damage the screwdriver, and potentially cause the capacitor to explode. Always use a proper resistive load to control the discharge rate safely." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can a capacitor hold a charge without power?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, a capacitor is specifically designed to store electrical energy and will hold its charge long after the main power supply is disconnected. This residual charge acts like a temporary battery, which is why capacitors pose a severe shock hazard in unplugged electronic devices and power supplies." } } ] }, { "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Discharge a High Voltage Capacitor", "description": "Step-by-step instructions for safely discharging a high voltage capacitor using a high-wattage resistor.", "step":[ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Isolate Power", "text": "First, unplug the electrical power and verify the equipment is isolated from the mains." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare the Resistor", "text": "Obtain a 20,000-ohm, 2-watt (or higher, such as 5W) wire-wound resistor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Discharge the Terminals", "text": "Using insulated pliers, hold the resistor and touch its probes across the two terminals of the capacitor for several seconds." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Discharge Multi-Terminal Capacitors", "text": "If the capacitor has three terminals, discharge between the outer terminal and the center terminal, then repeat for the remaining outer terminal." } ] } ]}

IntroductionThyristor is a four semiconductor layers or three PN junctions devicea solid-state semiconductor device with four layers of alternating P- and N-type materials. It is also known as “SCR” (Silicon Control Rectifier). The term “Thyristor” is dervid from the words of thyratron (a gas fluid tube which work as SCR) and Transistor. And It acts exclusively as a bistable switch in electronic circuit.What is a Thyristor?CatalogIntroductionⅠ Types of ThyristorsⅡ Thyristor Selection2.1 Specific Requirements of Applying Circuit2.2 Main Parameters of the ThyristorⅢ Replacement of ThyristorⅣ Detection of Thyristor4.1 Detection of Unidirectional Thyristors4.2 Detection of TRIACⅠ Types of ThyristorsCommonly used thyristors include unidirectional thyristors, TRIAC, and turn-off thyristors, etc., which should be selected reasonably according to the needs of the circuit.— Unidirectional ThyristorThe unidirectional thyristor is characterized in that the current can only flow from the anode A to the cathode k, and is mainly used in the control of DC power supply or pulsating direct current, AC power rectification, and DC power inverter.Unidirectional thyristors can be divided into ordinary thyristors and high-frequency thyristors (the working frequency is above 110kHz). Commonly used unidirectional thyristors are 3CT series, 3DT series, KP series and KK series (high frequency thyristors), and imported MCR series, SF series, BST series etc.— TRIACTRIAC was developed on the basis of the unidirectional thyristor and is an AC power control device. TRIAC can not only replace two unidirectional thyristors in anti-parallel, but also requires only one trigger circuit, which is more convenient to use.The characteristic of TRIAC is that alternating current can pass through it, which is mainly used in the control of AC power supply and the adjustment of AC voltage. Commonly used TRIAC include 3CTS series and KS series, as well as imported MAC series, SM series, BCR series, etc.— Gate Turn-off ThyristorThe characteristic of the gate turn-off thyristor is that it can be switched off by the control electrode. It is mainly used in gate turn-off contactless switches, DC inverters, dimmer, speed regulation and other occasions.Gate turn-off thyristors are power-type control devices developed on the basis of ordinary thyristors. After the ordinary thyristor is triggered to be turned on, its control electrode does not work. To turn off the thyristor, the power must be cut off, or the forward current flowing through the thyristor must be less than the holding current. Gate turn-off thyristor overcomes the above drawbacks. When the control electrode G is added with a positive pulse voltage, the thyristor is turned on, and when the control electrode G is added with a negative pulse voltage, the thyristor is turned off.Gate turn-off thyristors are ideal high-voltage, high-current switching devices. For example, the DG series high-power gate turn-off thyristors can reach a maximum voltage of 4500V and a maximum current of 3000A. Ⅱ Thyristor Selection2.1 Specific Requirements of Applying CircuitThere are many types of thyristors, which should be selected reasonably according to the specific requirements of the application circuit.For AC/DC voltage control, controllable rectification, AC voltage regulation, power inverter, switching power supply protection circuit, etc., ordinary thyristors can be selected.For AC switch, AC voltage regulation, AC motor linear speed regulation, lamp linear dimming, solid state relay, solid state contactor, etc., a TRIAC should be selected.For AC motor variable frequency speed regulation, chopper, power inverter and various electronic switch circuits, you can choose gate turn-off thyristor.For sawtooth wave generator, long time delay, over voltage protector and trigger circuit with power transistor, etc., BTG thyristor can be selected.In electromagnetic cookers, electronic ballasts, ultrasonic circuits, superconducting magnetic energy storage systems, switching power supplies and other circuits, reverse conducting thyristors can be selected.In the photocoupler, light detector, light alarm, light counter, photoelectric logic circuit and operation monitoring circuit of automatic production line, the light-control thyristor can be selected.2.2 Main Parameters of the ThyristorThe main parameters of the thyristor should be determined according to the specific requirements of the application circuit.The selected thyristor should have a certain power margin, and its rated peak voltage and rated current (on-state average current) should be higher than the maximum operating voltage and maximum working current of the controlled circuit by 1.5 to 2 times.The parameters of the thyristor's forward voltage drop, gate trigger current, and trigger voltage should meet the requirements of the application circuit (this refers to the control circuit of the gate), and should not be high or low, otherwise it will affect the normal operation of the thyristor. Ⅲ Replacement of ThyristorAfter the thyristor is damaged, if no thyristor of the same type is replaced, another type of thyristor with similar performance parameters can be used instead.When designing an application circuit, a large margin is generally left. When replacing the thyristor, just pay attention to its rated peak voltage (repeated peak voltage), rated current (on-state average current), gate trigger voltage and gate trigger current, especially the two indicators of rated peak voltage and rated current.The switching speed of the thyristor used for replacement should be consistent with the switching speed of the damaged thyristor. For example: After the high-speed thyristor used in the pulse circuit and high-speed inverter circuit is damaged, only the same type of fast thyristor can be used instead of the ordinary thyristor.When selecting a thyristor to be used for replacement, it is not necessary to leave too much margin for any parameter, and the parameter of it should be as close as possible to the parameter of the replaced thyristor, because an excessively large margin is not only a waste, but also sometimes has side effects, such as non-triggering or insensitive triggering.In addition, the appearance of the two thyristors should be the same, otherwise it will cause inconvenience to the installation. Ⅳ Detection of ThyristorThyristors are usually represented by the letters "SCR" in circuit schematic diagrams. For example, SCR2 refers to the thyristor numbered 2. The symbol of the thyristor in the schematic diagram is shown in figure 1. Figure 1. Symbols of Thyristor4.1 Detection of Unidirectional Thyristors(1) Discrimination of each electrode: According to the structure of an ordinary thyristor, it can be seen that there is a PN junction between the gate G and the cathode K, which has unidirectional conductive characteristics, while there are two PN junctions of opposite polarities connected in series between the anode A and the gate. Therefore, by measuring the resistance between the pins of an ordinary thyristor with the R × 100 or R × 1 k Q level of the multimeter, three electrodes can be determined.The specific method is: use the black probe of the multimeter to connect one electrode of the thyristor, and use the red probe to touch the other two electrodes in turn. If the measurement result has a resistance value of several thousand ohms (kΩ) and another resistance value of several hundred ohms(Ω), it can be determined that the black probe is connected to gate G. In the measurement with a resistance value of several hundred ohms, the red probe was connected to the cathode K, and in the measurement with a resistance value of several thousand ohms, the red probe was connected to the anode A. If the measured resistance values are both very large, it means that the black probe is not connected to gate G. Apply the same method to test other electrodes until three electrodes are found.You can also measure the forward and reverse resistance between any two pins. If the forward and reverse resistance are close to infinity, the two electrodes are anode A and cathode K, and the other pin is gate G.Each electrode of the ordinary thyristors can also be judged according to its packaging form.For example, the bolt end of the bolt-type ordinary thyristor is anode A, the thinner lead end is gate G, and the thicker lead end is cathode K.The lead end of the flat thyristor is gate G, the flat end is anode A, and the other end is cathode K.A thyristor of metal package (T0-3) is a common thyristor and its shell is anode A.The middle pin of the plastic thyristor (T0-220) is anode A, and it is mostly connected with its own heat sink. Figure 2. Pin Arrangement of Several Common Thyristors(2) Judging whether it is good or bad: Use the R×1 kΩ level of a multimeter to measure the forward and reverse resistance values between anode A and cathode K of ordinary thyristor, which should normally be infinite (∞) ; If the forward and reverse resistance values are zero or the resistance values are both small, it indicates that a breakdown short circuit or leakage occurs inside the thyristor.Measure the forward and reverse resistance values between gate G and cathode K. Normally, there should be forward and reverse resistance values similar to diodes (the actual measurement results are smaller than those of ordinary diodes), that is, the forward resistance value is small (less than 2 kΩ) and the reverse resistance value is large (greater than 80 kΩ). If the resistance values of the two measurements are both large or small, it means that the thyristor is open or short-circuited between electrode G and K. If the forward and reverse resistance values are equal or close, it indicates that the thyristor has failed, and the PN junction between its electrodes G and K has lost its unidirectional conduction effect.Measure the forward and reverse resistance value between anode A and gate G. In normal conditions, both resistances should be several hundred kiloohms (kΩ) or infinite. If the forward and reverse resistance values are not the same (there is unidirectional conduction like a diode). One of the two PN junctions connected in reverse series between gate G and electrode A has been short-circuited.(3) Detection of triggering capability: For ordinary thyristors with low power (working current is below 5A), it can be measured with R×1 level of the multimeter . During the measurement, the black probe is connected to anode A and the red probe is connected to cathode K. At this time, the watch hand does not move, and the resistance value is displayed as infinite (∞). Use tweezers or wires to make anode A and gate G of the thyristor be short-circuited(see figure 3), which is equivalent to applying a forward trigger voltage to gate G. At this time, if the resistance value is several ohms to tens of ohms (the specific resistance value will vary according to the part number of the thyristor), it indicates that the thyristor is conducting due to the forward trigger. Then disconnect electrode A and gate G(the probes on electrode A and K do not move, only the trigger voltage of gate G is cut off). If the value indicated by the watch hand is still in the position of several ohms to tens of ohms, it indicates that the triggering performance of the thyristor is good. Figure 3. Detection of Triggering CapabilityFor medium and high power ordinary thyristors with a working current above 5 A, the on-state voltage drop VT, holding current IH and the gate trigger voltage Vo are relatively large. The current provided by the R × 1 kΩ level of the multimeter is low, and the thyristor cannot be completely turned on, so a 200Ω adjustable resistor and one to three 1.5 V dry batteries can be connected in series at the end of the black probe (depending on the capacity of the thyristor being tested, if its working current is greater than 100 A, three 1.5 V dry batteries are applied), as shown in figure 4. Figure 4. Detection of Trigger VoltageYou can also use the test circuit in figure 5 to test the triggering capability of an ordinary thyristor. In the circuit, vT is the thyristor under test, HL is a 6.3 V indicator (small electric beads in a flashlight), GB is a 6 V power supply (four 1.5 V dry batteries or 6 V regulated power supply can be used), and S is the button, R is the current limiting resistor. Figure 5. Test Circuit to Test the Triggering CapabilityWhen the button S is not connected, the thyristor VT is in a blocking state, and the indicator light HL is not on (if HL is on at this time, there may be breakdown of vT or leakage damage). After pressing the button S once (turn S on for a moment to provide the trigger voltage for gate G of the thyristor VT), if the indicator HL is always on, it means that the thyristor has a good triggering capability. If the brightness of the indicator is low, it indicates that the thyristor has poor performance and a large conduction voltage drop (the conduction voltage drop should be about 1 V under normal conditions). If button S is on, the indicator light is on, and when button S is off, the indicator light is off, indicating that the thyristor is damaged and the triggering performance is poor.4.2 Detection of TRIAC(1) Discrimination of each electrode: Use the R×1 or R×10 level of the multimeter  to measure the forward and reverse resistance values between three pins of the TRIAC. If it is measured that one pin is not connected with the other two pins, then this pin is the main electrode T2.After finding the electrode T2, the remaining two pins are the main electrode T1 and the gate G3. Measuring the forward and reverse resistance values between these two pins will gain two smaller resistance values. In a measurement with a small resistance value (about tens of ohms), the black probe is connected to the main electrode T1, and the red probe is connected to gate G.One end of the bolt of the bolt-shaped TRIAC is the main electrode T2, the thinner lead end is gate G, and the thicker lead end is the main electrode T1.    The shell of the metal-encapsulated (TO-3) TRIAC is the main electrode T2.The middle pin of the plastic-encapsulated (TO-220) TRIAC is the main electrode T2, which is usually connected to its own small heat sink. Figure 6. Pin Arrangement of Several TRIAC(2) Judging whether it is good or bad: Use the R×1 or R×10 level of a multimeter to measure the forward and reverse resistance values between the main electrode T1 and the main electrode T2 and between the main electrode T2 and gate G of the TRIAC. Normally it should be close to infinity. If the measured resistance values are all very small, it means that the electrodes of the TRIAC have been broken down or are short-circuited.Measure the forward and reverse resistance of the main electrode T1 and gate G. Normally, it should be between tens of ohms (Ω) and one hundred ohms (Ω) (when the black probe is connected to electrode T1 and the red probe is connected to gate G, the measured forward resistance value is slightly smaller than the reverse resistance value). If the forward and reverse resistance values between electrode T1 and gate G are measured to be infinite, it indicates that the thyristor has been damaged by an open circuit.(3) Detection of triggering capability: For small power TRIAC with working current below 8A, it can be measured directly with R×1 level of the multimeter. When measuring, first connect the black probe to the main electrode T2 and the red probe to the main electrode T1, then use tweezers to make electrode T2 and gate G be short-circuited, and add a positive polarity trigger signal to gate G. If the resistance value measured at this time changes from infinity to more than ten ohms (Ω), it means that the thyristor has been triggered to conduct, and the conduction direction is T2 → T1.Then connect the black probe to the main electrode T1, and the red probe to the main electrode T2. Use tweezers to make electrode T2 and gate G be short-circuited, and add a negative polarity trigger signal to gate G. If the resistance value measured at this time changes from infinity to more than ten ohms (Ω), it means that the thyristor has been triggered to conduct, and the conduction direction is T1 → T2.If gate G is disconnected after the thyristor is triggered to be turned on, the low-resistance conduction state cannot be maintained between electrode T2 and T1 and the resistance value becomes infinite, it indicates that the TRIAC has poor performance or is damaged. If a positive (or negative) polarity trigger signal is added to gate G, the thyristor still does not conduct (the forward and reverse resistance values between T1 and T2 are still infinite), then the thyristor is damaged and has no trigger continuity.For medium and high power TRIAC with a working current of 8A or more, when measuring their triggering capability, one to three 1.5V dry batteries can be connected in series to a probe of a multimeter, and then measure by using R×1 level as described above.For a TRIAC with a withstand voltage of 400V or more, its trigger capability and performance can also be tested by using 220V AC voltage.Figure 7 is a test circuit of a TRIAC. In the circuit, FL is a 60W /220V incandescent bulb, VT is the TRIAC under test, R is a 100Ω current limiting resistor, and S is a button. Figure 7. TRIAC CircuitAfter the power plug is connected to the working frequency AC, the TRIAC is in the off-state and the light bulb is off. (If the bulb is glowing normally at this time, it means that electrode T1 and T2 of the thyristor under test have been broken down and short-circuited; if the light bulb is slightly light, it means that the thyristor under test is damaged by leakage). Press the button S once to provide the trigger voltage signal for gate G of the thyristor. In normal conditions, the thyristor should be immediately triggered to turn on, and the light bulb will glow normally. If the bulb fails to emit light, the internal circuit of the tested thyristor is damaged. If the light bulb is turned on when the button S is pressed, and the light bulb is turned off when the button is released, it indicates that the triggering performance of the tested thyristor is poor.When using a multimeter to detect low-power light-controlled thyristors, put the multimeter in R × 1 level, connect one to three 1.5V dry batteries in series to a black probe, and measure the forward and reverse resistance values between the two pins. Normally it should be infinite. Then use a small flashlight or laser pen to illuminate the light receiving window of the light controlled thyristor. At this time, a small forward resistance value can be measured, but the reverse resistance value is still infinite. In a measurement with a small resistance value, the black probe is connected to the anode A, and the red probe is connected to the cathode K.The following method can also be used to measure light-controlled thyristors. Turn on the power switch S and illuminate the light receiving window of the thyristor VT with a flashlight. After adding a trigger light source (high-power light-controlled thyristor has its own light source, as long as the light-emitting diode or semiconductor laser in its optical cable is added with the working voltage, no external light source is required), the indicator EL should be on. After the light source is evacuated, the indicator light EL should remain illuminated. There is only one PN junction. Therefore, you just need to measure electrode A and G with a multimeter.Put the multimeter in the R × 1 kΩ level, and the two probes can be connected to one of the two pins of the thyristor under test (measure their forward and reverse resistance values). If a pair of pins is measured with a low resistance value, the black probe is connected to the anode A, while the red probe is connected to gate G, and the other pin is the cathode K. (2) Judging whether it is good or bad: Use the R×1 level of a multimeter to measure the forward and reverse resistance values between the electrodes of the BTG thyristor. Under normal conditions, the forward and reverse resistances between the anode A and the cathode K are infinite; the forward resistance between the anode A and gate G (when the black probe is connected to electrode A) is several hundred ohms to several thousand ohms and the reverse resistance value is infinite. If the forward and reverse resistance values between two electrodes are measured to be very small, it indicates that the thyristor has been short-circuited and damaged.(3) Detection of triggering capability: Put the multimeter in the R × 1 Ω level, connect the black probe to anode A, and the red probe to cathode K. The measured resistance should be infinite. Then touch gate G with your finger and add a human body induction signal to it. If the resistance between electrodes A and K changes from infinity to low resistance (a few ohms) at this time, it indicates that the thyristor has a good triggering ability. Otherwise, the performance of the thyristor is poor. Frequently Asked Questions about Thyristors1. What is thyristor and its types?A thyristor is a four-layer device with alternating P-type and N-type semiconductors (P-N-P-N). In its most basic form, a thyristor has three terminals: anode (positive terminal), cathode (negative terminal), and gate (control terminal). The gate controls the flow of current between the anode and cathode. 2. What is thyristor diagram?In general, Thyristors are also switching devices similar to the transistors. ... SCR or Thyristor is a four-layered, three-junction semiconductor switching device. It has three terminals anode, cathode, and gate. Thyristor is also a unidirectional device like a diode, which means it flows current only in one direction. 3. Where is thyristor used?Thyristors may be used in power-switching circuits, relay-replacement circuits, inverter circuits, oscillator circuits, level-detector circuits, chopper circuits, light-dimming circuits, low-cost timer circuits, logic circuits, speed-control circuits, phase-control circuits, etc. 4. Why SCR is called Thyristor?Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is a unidirectional semiconductor device made of silicon. This device is the solid state equivalent of thyratron and hence it is also referred to as thyristor or thyroid transistor. 5. What is thyristor diagram?In general, Thyristors are also switching devices similar to the transistors. ... SCR or Thyristor is a four-layered, three-junction semiconductor switching device. It has three terminals anode, cathode, and gate. Thyristor is also a unidirectional device like a diode, which means it flows current only in one direction.

The devices or components commonly used in electronic circuits include: resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, potentiometers, transformers, diodes, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), photoelectric switches, resonators, oscillators, filters, silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), relays, dual inline package (DIP) switches, fuse holders, bridge rectifiers, emitters, reed switches, common mode chokes and ferrite beads, magnetic rings, etc. This article contains a lot of commonly used electronic components figures, and I hope you will find this information useful.A Simple Guide to Electronic Components FAQ1. What are basic electronic components?You will work with a number of basic electronic components when building electronic circuits, including resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. 2. What are electronic components called?They are also called Electrical elements or electrical components. e.g. Resistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Inductors. 3. What are the 3 classification of electronic components?Classification of Electronic Components: Components can be classified as passive, active, or electro-mechanic components.Active components are devices that can amplify an electric signal and produce power.Passive components can't introduce net energy into the circuit. 4. What are the two types of electronic components?These are of 2 types: Passive and Active Components. 5. What is passive electronic components?A passive element is an electrical component that does not generate power, but instead dissipates, stores, and/or releases it. Passive elements include resistances, capacitors, and coils (also called inductors). These components are labeled in circuit diagrams as Rs, Cs and Ls, respectively. 6. How do I choose electronic components?How to select electronic components?Manufacturers.Application Circuit Complexity.Electrical Parameters [voltage, current, power, accuracy, response time, speed, resolution, etc.]Mechanical Parameters [dimension, package, weight, etc.]Consideration w.r.t Manufacturing / Testing. 7. What is difference between active and passive components?Active components are the elements or devices which are capable of providing or delivering energy to the circuit. Passive components are the ones that do not require any external source for the operation and are capable of storing energy in the form of voltage or current in the circuit. 8. How to Test Electric Components with a Multimeter?Continuity tests measure if electricity can flow through the part.Resistance tests how much current is lost as electricity flows through a component or circuit.The third common test is for voltage, or the force of the electric pressure. 9. What are passive components?A passive component is an electronic component which can only receive energy, which it can either dissipate, absorb or store it in an electric field or a magnetic field. ... Passive components cannot amplify, oscillate, or generate an electrical signal. Common examples of passive components include: Resistors. Inductors. 10. How do I choose a PCB component?6 tips for choosing PCB componentsThink about component footprint decisions.Use good grounding practices.Assign virtual parts footprints.Ensure you have complete BOM Data.Sort reference designators.Check spare gates. Relevant information about "List of Basic Electronic Components"About the article "List of Basic Electronic Components", If you have better ideas, don't hesitate to write your thoughts in the following comment area. You also can find more articles about electronic semiconductor through Google search engine, or refer to the following related articles:Rectifiers and Filters NotesCharacteristics and Functions of DiodesReview and Application of Electronic skinSwitched Mode Power Supply Tutorial: Principles & Functions of SMPS CircuitsTransformers Basics: Construction, Types, Materials and Design

The rapid development of wearable technology has received another boost from a new development using graphene for printed electronic devices. New research from The University of Manchester has demonstrated flexible battery-like devices printed directly on to textiles using a simple screen-printing technique. The current hurdle with wearable technology is how to power devices without the need for cumbersome battery packs. Devices known as supercapacitors are one way to achieve this. A supercapacitor acts similarly to a battery but allows for rapid charging which can fully charge devices in seconds. Now a solid-state flexible supercapacitor device has been demonstrated by using conductive graphene-oxide ink to print onto cotton fabric. As reported in the journal 2D Materials the printed electrodes exhibited excellent mechanical stability due to the strong interaction between the ink and textile substrate. Further development of graphene-oxide printed supercapacitors could turn the vast potential of wearable technology into the norm. High-performance sportswear that monitors performance, embedded health-monitoring devices, lightweight military gear, new classes of mobile communication devices and even wearable computers are just some of the applications that could become available following further research and development. To power these new wearable devices, the energy storage system must have reasonable mechanical flexibility in addition to high energy and power density, good operational safety, long cycling life and be low cost. Dr Nazmul Karim, Knowledge Exchange Fellow, the National Graphene Institute and co-author of the paper said: "The development of graphene-based flexible textile supercapacitor using a simple and scalable printing technique is a significant step towards realising multifunctional next generation wearable e-textiles." "It will open up possibilities of making an environmental friendly and cost-effective smart e-textile that can store energy and monitor human activity and physiological condition at the same time". Graphene-oxide is a form of graphene which can be produced relatively cheaply in an ink-like solution. This solution can be applied to textiles to create supercapacitors which become part of the fabric itself. Dr Amor Abdelkader, also co-author of the paper said: "Textiles are some of the most flexible substrates, and for the first time, we printed a stable device that can store energy and be as flexible as cotton. "The device is also washable, which makes it practically possible to use it for the future smart clothes. We believe this work will open the door for printing other types of devices on textile using 2D-materials inks." The University of Manchester is currently completing the construction of its second major graphene facility to complement the National Graphene Institute (NGI). Set to be completed 2018, the £60m Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) will be an international research and technology facility. The GEIC will offer the UK the unique opportunity to establish a leading role in graphene and related 2D materials. The GEIC will be primarily industry-led and focus on pilot production and characterisation. Ref.MS614SE-FL28EML-614S/FN