What is the purpose of a snubber circuit?

The purpose of a snubber circuit is to suppress voltage transients in power electronic circuits. Snubber circuits are essential for protecting sensitive components, such as transistors or thyristors, from high voltage spikes that can occur due to rapid changes in current. These voltage transients may result from switching operations or load variations, which can induce back-emf or create other transient conditions that possibly lead to damage or failure of the components.

By incorporating a snubber circuit, typically made up of a resistor and capacitor in series or parallel, it absorbs these transients and dampens oscillations, providing a smoother and more stable voltage to the components. This protection is vital in maintaining the reliability and longevity of electronic devices operating under variable conditions, particularly in power circuits where inductive loads may generate significant transients.

In contrast, enhancing power factor involves managing the phase difference between voltage and current in AC circuits, which does not directly relate to the function of a snubber. Additionally, snubber circuits do not increase voltage supply or stabilize AC voltage outputs; their primary role is focused on transient suppression. Therefore, the correct identification of the purpose of a snubber circuit is crucial for understanding its importance in the safe operation of electronic systems.