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Power Supply Filter Calculations

Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:28 pm
by mediatechnology
We often get the question "how large of a filter cap do I need?"

Here's a way to calculate it:

Image

The load resistance term, Rl, can be estimated from the average voltage (at a hypothetical regulator input) divided by the maximum expected current. Fr is the ripple frequency. Using full-wave rectification Fr would be either 100 or 120 Hz. As a practical matter, use 100 Hz.

The full text where I obtained the equation is from Hemes:

https://www.ka-electronics.com/images/p ... _Temes.pdf

And the National Semiconductor Audio Handbook:

https://www.ka-electronics.com/images/p ... Design.pdf

Construction information for the Pico PSU board using the LM317/LM337 is here:

https://www.ka-electronics.com/PicoComp ... uments.htm