What type of technology is a switched capacitor categorized under?

A switched capacitor is categorized as an oil or vacuum type technology, specifically in the context of its operational characteristics. Switched capacitors are typically used in various applications involving signal processing and filtering. These capacitors work by switching between different states, which changes their effective capacitance and allows for dynamic adjustments in electronic circuits.

This type of technology utilizes the fundamental principle of capacitors, where the charge stored can be controlled by switching the configuration of the circuit. It allows for enhanced performance in circuits requiring precise control of capacitance without the physical movement of components, making it distinct from fixed capacitor banks, which have a set capacitance value.

Moreover, while inductors and resistors serve entirely different purposes in circuit behavior—inductors store energy in magnetic fields and resistors limit current flow—switched capacitors focus on altering effective capacitance in a dynamic manner, which aligns them more closely with oil or vacuum technologies that can handle variable currents and voltages in sophisticated electrical systems.