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Ripple Capacitor Size Calculator — result sheet
Estimate the minimum bulk capacitance needed for a switching-converter ripple limit while exposing the ESR contribution.
Inputs used
Results
Visual chart
Breakdown
Calculation steps
Returned data table
Formula and methodology
Formula: ESR ripple = I·ESR; Cmin = I ÷ [f·(Vripple,max − I·ESR)].
This first-pass sizing tool reserves part of a ripple-voltage limit for the capacitor’s equivalent-series-resistance drop, then calculates the capacitance needed for the remaining capacitive ripple. It makes the trade-off visible instead of presenting one capacitance as universal for every converter, layout, load transient, and capacitor technology.
This result follows the calculator's declared inputs, precision, validation boundaries, and model limits.
Input contract
- Load current — A; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000000
- Ripple or switching frequency — Hz; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000000000
- Maximum total ripple voltage — V; minimum 1.0E-6; maximum 1000000
- Capacitor ESR — Ω; minimum 0; maximum 1000000
Worked example
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Load current | 2 |
| Ripple or switching frequency | 500000 |
| Maximum total ripple voltage | 0.05 |
| Capacitor ESR | 0.005 |
The ESR contribution is 0.01 V and the ideal minimum capacitance is 100 µF for the remaining 0.04 V capacitive-ripple budget.
Assumptions and limits
- The ripple-current waveform is represented by the entered load current and ripple frequency in a simplified capacitor model.
- ESR is treated as a fixed resistance and its ripple contribution is I·ESR.
- The result is an educational minimum estimate; bias derating, ripple-current heating, control-loop stability, transient response, layout, and manufacturer data still need review.
Calculator note
Source and methodology
Use the official WorldCalculate methodology policy for the source, formula, precision, and boundary standards behind this calculator.
Planning estimate, not financial, medical, legal, or professional advice. © WorldCalculate — reuse with attribution. Built and curated by Hassan ALRowaie.
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