Glättungsschaltung

A glättungsschaltung, also known as a smoothing circuit or filter circuit, is a type of electronic circuit designed to reduce unwanted ripple or fluctuations in a voltage or current signal. These circuits are commonly found in power supplies, where they are used to convert alternating current (AC) from the mains into a steady direct current (DC) required by electronic devices.

The most basic form of a glättungsschaltung utilizes a capacitor. When placed in parallel with the output of a rectifier circuit, the capacitor charges up during the peaks of the rectified AC waveform and then discharges slowly between these peaks. This discharge period fills in the "dips" in the voltage, resulting in a smoother, more constant DC output. The larger the capacitance, the less ripple the circuit will exhibit.

More complex glättungsschaltungen may incorporate inductors as well as capacitors, forming LC filters. These circuits offer more effective ripple reduction, especially at lower frequencies. Inductors resist changes in current, while capacitors resist changes in voltage, and their combined effect can significantly attenuate the AC components of the signal while allowing the DC component to pass through.

Glättungsschaltungen are crucial for the proper operation of many electronic devices, as fluctuations in power supply can lead to erratic behavior, data corruption, or even permanent damage. They are a fundamental component in the design of virtually all electronic power supplies.