
Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are a favorite among electronics hobbyists for their compact size and efficiency. But without the right components, they can become noisy, introducing unwanted electrical interference into your circuit. The good news? Choosing low-noise components solves this problem quickly and affordably.
The Problem: Noise Hurts Sensitive Electronics
Noisy SMPS can affect microcontrollers, sensors, and audio circuits. Symptoms include flickering displays, false readings, or humming in audio output. This happens when high-frequency switching noise couples into signal lines or power rails due to poor component choices.
The Solution: Choose Low-ESR Capacitors & Shielded Inductors
For low-noise SMPS design:
Use low-ESR electrolytic or ceramic capacitors to reduce ripple and filter high-frequency noise.
Pick shielded inductors to contain magnetic interference.
Include ferrite beads or snubber circuits to suppress spikes and transients.
Practical Example
Say you’re powering a Raspberry Pi with an SMPS and notice USB device instability. Adding a 10µF ceramic capacitor + 470µF low-ESR cap at the 5V rail smooths out ripple, stabilizing the system.
Sample Calculation
Ripple Voltage (Vr) ≈ I / (f × C)
For I = 1A, f = 100kHz, C = 470µF:
Vr ≈ 1 / (100,000 × 470e-6) ≈ 21mV – very low ripple!
Product Suggestion: Quiet Builds Start with Indian Parts
Get capacitor kits and shielded inductors proudly made in India:
Shop now at SmartXProKits.in — Support our work and India’s innovation—buy from our Make in India site!
Written by smartxbrains
- Industrial Automation141141 products
- Cooling Fan44 products
- Indicators1111 products
- Plastic Casing66 products
- Sensor2323 products
- Sleeve and cables55 products
- SMPS88 products
- Solid State Relay Module22 products
- Switches1818 products
- Temprature Sensor11 product
- 3D Printing189189 products
- 3D printing118118 products
- Combination Kit4747 products
- Electronic743743 products
- Audio55 products
- Battery/Charger Accessories2828 products
- Capacitors6464 products
- Connector4646 products
- cooling fan11 product
- Diode3535 products
- Displays1212 products
- IC and Chips6565 products
- IOT and Wireless99 products
- Leds2424 products
- Microcontrollers55 products
- Modules/Shield7575 products
- MOSFET / IGBT1414 products
- Power Supply2525 products
- Resistors130130 products
- Sensors5959 products
- SMD2828 products
- Switches1414 products
- Transistors6868 products
- Wire and Cables1212 products
- Hardware3232 products
- Hand Tools1414 products
- Hardware Accessories1414 products
- Printing22 products
- RC Plane and Drone99 products
- Robotic147147 products
- BO Motors1313 products
- General Purpose DC Motors2929 products
- Motor Drivers88 products
- Robotic Wheels & Tyres1414 products
- Servo Motor2727 products
- Stepper Motors88 products
- Synchronous Motor11 product
- Science Fair Project7070 products
- Final Year Ready Project Kit11 product
- STEM KIT2222 products
- E Books88 products
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.