Editing Hysteresis (section)

===Electronic circuits===

[[Image:Hysteresis sharp curve.svg|thumb|Sharp hysteresis loop of a [[Schmitt trigger]]]]
Often, some amount of hysteresis is intentionally added to an electronic circuit to prevent unwanted rapid switching. This and similar techniques are used to compensate for [[Switch#Contact bounce|contact bounce]] in switches, or [[Noise (electronic)|noise]] in an electrical signal.

A [[Schmitt trigger]] is a simple electronic circuit that exhibits this property.

A [[Relay#Latching relay|latching relay]] uses a [[solenoid]] to actuate a ratcheting mechanism that keeps the relay closed even if power to the relay is terminated.

Some positive feedback from the output to one input of a comparator can increase the natural hysteresis (a function of its gain) it exhibits.

Hysteresis is essential to the workings of some [[memristor]]s (circuit components which "remember" changes in the current passing through them by changing their resistance).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207403521&pgno=1 |title='Missing link' memristor created: Rewrite the textbooks? |last1=Johnson |first1=R. Colin |newspaper=EE Times April 30, 2008 |access-date=27 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930074814/http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207403521&pgno=1 |archive-date=30 September 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Hysteresis can be used when connecting arrays of elements such as [[nanoelectronic]]s, [[electrochrome cell]]s and [[memory effect]] devices using [[passive matrix addressing]]. Shortcuts are made between adjacent components (see [[crosstalk]]) and the hysteresis helps to keep the components in a particular state while the other components change states. Thus, all rows can be addressed at the same time instead of individually.

In the field of audio electronics, a [[noise gate]] often implements hysteresis intentionally to prevent the gate from "chattering" when signals close to its threshold are applied.