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🔌 Rectifier Discharge Calculator

ℹ️ About: This calculator analyzes the discharge behavior of a rectifier charging an electrolytic capacitor.

There are two discharge modes, constant current and constant power. The constant current mode is useful for linear regulators. The constant power mode is useful for switching power supplies.

The calculator plots the discharge curve, lowest voltage vs capacitance, and the FFT spectrum of the discharge curve. From the graphs you can the select the needed capacitance, and it also will tell you what ripple current you can expect.

See the mathematics for more details.

AC Input Parameters

Hz (typically 50 or 60 Hz)
V (e.g., 325V for 230V RMS AC)

Rectifier Configuration

Rectifier type

Load Parameters

For resistive loads, linear regulators
A (Amperes)
A (for slider range)

Plot Selection

μF (for discharge curve)
μF (for U1 vs C plot)