What Is the Origin of the Capacitor? From the Leyden Jar to MLCC

    There’s a tiny component found in almost every electronic device we use every day: the capacitor . It stores and releases electrical energy temporarily, playing a vital role in power management and signal integrity. But where did it come from? Today, we’ll explore the invention and evolution of the capacitor from the 18th century to the present.     1. Birth of the Capacitor: The Discovery of the Leyden Jar In 1745, Pieter van Musschenbroek of Leiden University in the Netherlands accidentally invented a device that could store static electricity: the Leyden jar . Using a glass jar filled with water and coated with metal foil, this setup could hold a significant electric charge—becoming the first known capacitor. 2. The Rise of the “Condenser” and Its Role In the 18th and 19th centuries, the term “ condenser ” was used to describe this device because it “condensed” or collected electric charge. It was widely used in sta...