Amateur Extra › E7 Practical Circuits › E7D07
E7D07
What is the purpose of C2 in the circuit shown in Figure E7-2?

Pick an answer to check it.
Answer: A. It bypasses rectifier output ripple around D1
C2 is across the Zener diode D1. It bypasses ripple and noise around D1 so the reference voltage on the base of Q1 stays clean.
Tip: C2 keeps the Zener reference quiet.