What is the most basic type of power supply filter?

The most basic type of power supply filter is the capacitor filter. Capacitors are widely used in power supply circuits to smooth out voltage fluctuations. When connected to a power supply, a capacitor charges when the voltage is high and discharges when the voltage drops, effectively reducing the ripple voltage in the output. This characteristic allows the capacitor to maintain a more stable voltage level, providing a smoother DC output from an AC input.

Capacitor filters are simple in design and relatively inexpensive, making them a practical choice in many applications. They work well in filtering out high-frequency noise, which is essential for ensuring the proper operation of electronic circuits. The effectiveness of a capacitor filter in achieving a steady DC voltage demonstrates its fundamental role in power supply design.