Pulsed DC

Most modern electronic items function using a DC voltage, so the PDC waveform must usually be smoothed before use.

A reservoir capacitor converts the PDC wave into a DC waveform with some superimposed ripple.

Pulsed DC is also commonly used in driving light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to lower the intensity.

Short DC pulses below 100 μs are more efficient at evoking action potentials and disturbing the conduction systems in the body than AC which usually has a much smoother and longer wave form.

[4][failed verification] On the other hand at shorter waveform AC will also have a higher frequency which is less effective at stimulating nerves and muscles due to its biphasic nature which doesn't allow a build up of enough charge, in the short time between phases, to depolarize cell membranes in order to evoke an action potential.