What is quiecent current?

Quiescent current, also known as idle current or standby current, is the current that flows through a device when it is in a fixed state or resting state. It is the current that a device consumes when it is not actively performing any task or processing any data. Quiescent current plays an important role in determining the power consumption of electronic devices, especially in battery-operated devices and low-power circuits. A high quiescent current will drain the battery faster and reduce the device's battery life. Therefore, designers try to minimize the quiescent current value through careful selection of components and design optimization. The quiescent current is usually measured in microamps or nanoamps, and it can vary depending on the device's type, technology, and application.