---
title: The Role of Resonant Capacitors in Power Electronics
description: Learn about the basic principles behind resonant capacitors, which can store and discharge energy to achieve specific circuit behaviors in power electronics.
image: https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Resonant%20Capacitors.png
---

[![Knowlescapacitors](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Knowlescapacitors_September2018/Images/knowlesPDWhite250w.png)](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/)

- Capacitors 
    - [Capacitor Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors)
    - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Aerospace-and-Defense)
    - [High Q](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/High-Q)
    - [SMD Capacitors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/SMDCap.aspx)
    - [MLCCs with Leads](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Leaded-MLC-s.aspx)
    - [Single Layer Capacitor](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Single-Layer-Capacitor.aspx)
    - [AEC-Q200](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/AEC-Q200.aspx)
    - [Broadband Blocks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Broadband-Blocks.aspx)
    - [Capacitor Assemblies](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/CAP-Assemblies.aspx)
    - [Trimmer](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Trimmer.aspx)
    - [Aluminum Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/aluminum-electrolytic/)
    - [Film Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/film-paper-film-capacitors/)
    - [Supercapacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/ultracapacitors/)
- RF and Microwave 
    - [RF & Microwave Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products)
    - [Filter Technology](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Filter-Technology)
    - [5G Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/5G-Filters)
    - [Bandpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bandpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Lowpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Lowpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Highpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Highpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Cavity Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Cavity-Filters.aspx)
    - [Couplers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Couplers.aspx)
    - [High Frequency RF Crossover](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/RF-Crossover)
    - [Custom Design Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Custom-Design-Filters.aspx)
    - [Gain Equalizers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Gain-Equalizers.aspx)
    - [Power Dividers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Power-Dividers.aspx)
    - [Resonators](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Resonatros.aspx)
    - [Ceramic Resonators](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Ceramic-Resonators)
    - [Bias Filter Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bias-Filter-Networks.aspx)
    - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/SatCom-Products)
    - [Self Bias Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Self-Bias-Networks.aspx)
- EMI 
    - [EMI Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI)
    - [EMI Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/EMI-Filters)
    - [Planars and Discoidals](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/Planars-and-Discoidals)
- Non Magnetic 
    - [Non-Magnetic Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components)
    - [Non-Magnetic Hardware](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Hardware.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic Inductors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Inductors.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic MLC's](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Non-Magnetic.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic Trimmers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Trimmers.aspx)
- Thin Film and Substrates 
    - [Heatsinks & Standoffs](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Heatsinks-Standoffs)
    - [Mounting Shorts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Mounting-Shorts)
    - [Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Submounts)
    - [Build to Print](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Build-To-Print)
    - [Substrates](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Substrates.aspx)

- Solutions 
    - [Inductors & Baluns](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/inductors-and-baluns)
    - [Military and Defense](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/rf-and-microwave-components-for-military-and-defense)
    - [mmWave for 5G](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-5g-filter-solutions)
    - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Solutions/SatCom-Products)
    - [High Reliability for Medical](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/high-reliability-capacitors-medical-implantable)
    - [High Voltage for Electric Vehicles](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitors-for-electric-vehicles)
- [Contact](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Contact.aspx)
- [Careers](https://www.knowles.com/careers)
- [Company](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx)
- Support 
    - [Blog](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog)
    - [White Papers & Webinars](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/resources)
    - [Catalogs](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Catalogs.aspx)
    - [Video FAQs](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/videos)
    - [Capacitor Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitor-basics)
    - [Build To Print Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/build-to-print-basics)
    - [Filter Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/filter-basics)
    - [RF Components for Radar](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-radar-funadamentals)
    - [Design Tools](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Design-Tools.aspx)
    - [Product Compliance](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/product-compliance)
    - [Quality](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Quality)
    - [Resources](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Resources.aspx)
- [LOGIN](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Special-Pages/Login.aspx)
- <http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Search.aspx>

- Capacitors 
    - [Capacitor Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors)
    - [Aerospace & Defense](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Aerospace-and-Defense)
    - [High Q](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/High-Q)
    - [SMD Capacitors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/SMDCap.aspx)
    - [MLCCs with Leads](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Leaded-MLC-s.aspx)
    - [Single Layer Capacitor](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Single-Layer-Capacitor.aspx)
    - [AEC-Q200](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/AEC-Q200.aspx)
    - [Broadband Blocks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Broadband-Blocks.aspx)
    - [Capacitor Assemblies](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/CAP-Assemblies.aspx)
    - [Trimmer](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Capacitors/Trimmer.aspx)
    - [Aluminum Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/aluminum-electrolytic/)
    - [Film Capacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/film-paper-film-capacitors/)
    - [Supercapacitors](https://www.cde.com/capacitors/ultracapacitors/)
- RF and Microwave 
    - [RF & Microwave Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products)
    - [Filter Technology](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Filter-Technology)
    - [5G Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/5G-Filters)
    - [Bandpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bandpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Lowpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Lowpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Highpass Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Highpass-Filters.aspx)
    - [Cavity Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Cavity-Filters.aspx)
    - [Couplers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Couplers.aspx)
    - [Custom Design Filters](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Custom-Design-Filters.aspx)
    - [Gain Equalizers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Gain-Equalizers.aspx)
    - [Power Dividers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Power-Dividers.aspx)
    - [Resonators](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Resonatros.aspx)
    - [Ceramic Resonators](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Ceramic-Resonators)
    - [Bias Filter Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Bias-Filter-Networks.aspx)
    - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/SatCom-Products)
    - [Self Bias Networks](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Microwave-Products/Self-Bias-Networks.aspx)
- EMI 
    - [EMI Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI)
    - [EMI Filters](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/EMI-Filters)
    - [Planars and Discoidals](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/EMI/Planars-and-Discoidals)
- Non Magnetic 
    - [Non-Magnetic Overview](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components)
    - [Non-Magnetic Hardware](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Hardware.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic Inductors](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Inductors.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic MLC's](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Non-Magnetic.aspx)
    - [Non-Magnetic Trimmers](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Non-magnetic-Components/Trimmers.aspx)
- Thin Film and Substrates 
    - [Heatsinks, Standoffs & Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Heatsinks-Standoffs)
    - [Mounting Shorts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Mounting-Shorts)
    - [Submounts](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Submounts)
    - [Build to Print](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Build-To-Print)
    - [Substrates](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Products/Thin-Film-and-Substrates/Substrates.aspx)
- Solutions 
    - [Inductors & Baluns](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/inductors-and-baluns)
    - [Military and Defense](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/rf-and-microwave-components-for-military-and-defense)
    - [mmWave for 5G](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-5g-filter-solutions)
    - [SatCom Products](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Solutions/SatCom-Products)
    - [High Reliability for Medical](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/high-reliability-capacitors-medical-implantable)
    - [High Voltage for Electric Vehicles](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitors-for-electric-vehicles)
- [Contact](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Contact.aspx)
- [Careers](https://www.knowles.com/careers)
- [Company](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx)
- Support 
    - [Blog](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog)
    - [White Papers & Webinars](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/resources)
    - [Catalogs](http://dev.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Catalogs.aspx)
    - [Video FAQs](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/videos)
    - [Capacitor Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-capacitor-basics)
    - [Build To Print Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/build-to-print-basics)
    - [Filter Basics](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/filter-basics)
    - [RF Components for Radar](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/knowles-precision-devices-radar-funadamentals)
    - [Design Tools](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Design-Tools.aspx)
    - [Quality](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Quality)
    - [Product Compliance](https://info.knowlescapacitors.com/product-compliance)
    - [Resources](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Support/Resources.aspx)
- [LOGIN](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Special-Pages/Login.aspx)
- <http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Search.aspx>

## Knowles Precision Devices Blog

# The Role of Resonant Capacitors in Power Electronics

Posted by [Jordan Yates](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/author/jordan-yates) on Oct 11, 2023 8:23:00 AM

![Jordan Yates](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/1682549265688%20copy.jpeg)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

At a foundational level, the ability to store electric charge and more easily pass higher-frequency AC currents are two of the most identifiable properties of capacitors. However, at very high frequencies, the ideal behavior of a capacitor can be compromised. In those situations, the parasitic, resistive and inductive components of a capacitor have an outsized influence on its behavior. 

![Resonant Capacitors](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Resonant%20Capacitors.webp?width=1200&height=627&name=Resonant%20Capacitors.webp)

Ideal capacitor math describes a scenario where impedance approaches zero as frequency increases. Real-world testing reveals an application- and component-specific frequency boundary for impedance. At that boundary, the equivalent series inductance (ESL) of the capacitor forms an LC resonance circuit with itself. This is referred to as self-resonance. Up to its self-resonant frequency, a capacitor acts like it’s supposed to—like a capacitor. Beyond this frequency, it starts to act like an inductor, which impedes AC current.

 

![Resonance Frequency](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Resonance%20Frequency.jpg?width=623&height=360&name=Resonance%20Frequency.jpg)

*Figure 1. Behavior of a capacitor before and after meeting its self-resonant frequency*

 

It’s crucial to note that the Q factor of a capacitor typically reaches a minimum at its self-resonant frequency. Q factor, defined as the ratio of a capacitor’s reactance to its equivalent series resistance (ESR), serves as a measure of efficiency, particularly in terms of energy loss. For optimal performance, operations should remain below this frequency.

Resonant capacitors are able to store and discharge energy to achieve specific circuit behaviors that can improve power conversion efficiency, reduce losses, and minimize switching stress.

For advice on designing circuit elements for high-frequency filters and noise suppression, [contact us](https://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Contact).

 Topics: [Capacitor](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/capacitor)

## Insights Into Precision Passive Devices

Knowles Precision Devices is a premier global source for Capacitors, RF Filters, EMI Filters, Resonators, non-magnetic components and advanced dielectric materials. An umbrella for the brands of **Compex**, **DLI**, **Johanson MFG**, **Novacap**, **Syfer** and **Voltronics**, Knowles Precision Devices serves a variety of markets including military, aerospace/avionics, medical equipment, implantable devices, EMI and connector filtering, oil exploration, instrumentation, industrial electronics, automotive, telecoms and data networks.

This Blog will provide insights into:

- Filters for 5G and mmWave
- Capacitors for High Voltage
- Capacitors for High Reliability

and much more. Subscribe below to stay informed.

### Subscribe Here!

### Recent Posts

### Post By Topics

- [Capacitor (154)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/capacitor)
- [RF and Microwave (84)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/rf-and-microwave)
- [Military and Aerospace (47)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/military-and-aerospace)
- [Filtering (36)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/filtering)
- [Medical (34)](https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/tag/medical)

- Industries 
    - [Automotive](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Automotive.aspx)
    - [Industrial](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Industrial.aspx)
    - [Medical](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Medical.aspx)
    - [Military](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Military.aspx)
    - [Space](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Space.aspx)
    - [Telecom](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Industries/Telecom.aspx)

- Company 
    - [About](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Company.aspx)
    - [News](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/News.aspx)
    - [Quality](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/Quality.aspx)
    - [Privacy Policy](https://www.knowles.com/privacy-policy)
    - [Terms & Conditions](http://www.knowlescapacitors.com/getattachment/Knowles-T-C.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US)
    - [Knowles Electronics, LLC](https://www.knowles.com/)

© Knowles Capacitors All Rights Reserved

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jordan Yates",
    "url" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/author/jordan-yates"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-10-11T12:23:00.614Z",
  "datePublished" : "2023-10-11T12:23:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "The Role of Resonant Capacitors in Power Electronics",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Resonant%20Capacitors.png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/blog/role-of-resonant-capacitors-in-power-electronics",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.knowlescapacitors.com/hubfs/Knowles%20Corporate%20logo_blue.png"
    },
    "name" : "Knowles Precision Devices"
  }
}
```