This calculator software can be used to quickly calculate the most optimal value of filter capacitor required to be connected after the bridge rectifier, in any standard power supply circuit stage.
The standard formula for calculating a filter capacitor is given by:
C = I / (f × Vr)
Where:
C = Filter capacitor in Farads (F)
I = Load current in Amperes (A)
f = Ripple frequency in Hertz (Hz) (For full-wave rectifiers, f = 2 × mains frequency)
Vr = Acceptable ripple voltage in Volts (V)
Filter Capacitor Calculator
This calculator determines the minimum required capacitor value for smoothing after a bridge rectifier. The ripple voltage is assumed to be 5% of the DC output voltage.
Results:
| Ripple Voltage (5% Assumed) | Required Capacitor Value |
|---|---|
| 0 V | 0 µF |
How to Use the Calculator
Enter Load Current (in Amps) – This is the current drawn by the circuit.
Enter Ripple Frequency (in Hz) –
- For full-wave rectifiers, ripple frequency is twice the mains frequency (e.g 100Hz for 50Hz mains).
- For half-wave rectifiers, it' is the same as mains frequency (e.g 50Hz for 50Hz mains).
Click "Calculate" to get the minimum required capacitor value in microfarads (µF).
Example Calculation
If we have:
- Load Current = 1A
- Ripple Voltage = 2V (assumed as 5% of the DC output voltage)
- Ripple Frequency = 100Hz (for full-wave rectifier)
Then the capacitor value will be:
C = 1 / (100 × 2)
C = 1 / 200
C = 5000 µF
So the result will show as 5000 µF.