How Have Capacitors Evolved? The Historical Journey of Condensers

Capacitors, commonly referred to as condensers, began in the 18th century through electrostatic experiments and have since become essential components in high-performance electronic devices. In this post, we will explore the origin, inventors, technological evolution, and modern applications of capacitors.

 

 

1. Origins and Early Experiments

In 1745, Ewald Georg von Kleist from Germany conducted a static electricity experiment using a glass jar filled with water and wrapped in metal. This device was the Leyden Jar, the prototype of the capacitor. A similar experiment was conducted by Pieter van Musschenbroek of the Netherlands, which helped formalize its function.

Cross-sectional diagram of a Leyden jar showing metal ball, stopper, glass jar, inner and outer metal linings, and metal chain

2. The Term “Condenser”

Alessandro Volta expanded the principle of the Leyden Jar and described the device as one that "condenses electricity." This led to the term condenser being widely used in Europe. To this day, countries like Japan and South Korea commonly use this term.

 

 

3. Industrial Growth in the 20th Century

During the 1930s and 1940s, a variety of film capacitors using paper, Mylar film, and metal foil were developed. Electrolytic capacitors became widespread. After World War II, the demand for radios, TVs, military gear, and computers drove mass production and innovation.

From the 1960s onward, ceramic capacitors and tantalum capacitors were commercialized, offering high-frequency performance and large capacity in small sizes.

4. Modern Advances in Capacitor Technology

  • MLCC (Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor) – Found in smartphones, EVs, and more
  • Aluminum Polymer Capacitors – Improved heat resistance and reliability
  • Supercapacitors – Emerging as energy storage solutions

Capacitors have evolved from basic components into critical energy storage solutions. They play vital roles in IoT, electric vehicles, solar systems, and more.

 

 

5. Impact on Electronic Devices

  • Compact and efficient circuit design enabled
  • Improved EMI filtering and power stability
  • Support for pulse operations and energy buffering in high-speed computing

FAQ

  • Q. Are capacitors and condensers different?
    A. No, they refer to the same component. “Condenser” is a transliteration of the word "capacitor."
  • Q. Can supercapacitors replace batteries?
    A. Supercapacitors are ideal for rapid charge-discharge cycles but lack the energy density to fully replace batteries.
  • Q. Why are MLCCs so widely used?
    A. They offer compact size, high capacitance, durability, and excellent electrical characteristics.