
The Problem :
When designing or building an SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply), high output ripple can cause instability in sensitive electronics like microcontrollers, audio amplifiers, or sensors. Ripple is essentially unwanted AC noise on your DC output, and it’s often caused by poor component choices—especially capacitors and inductors.
The Solution :
To reduce ripple, focus on low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) capacitors and proper inductor selection. Use electrolytic capacitors with low ESR ratings or better yet, ceramic capacitors in parallel. A well-chosen inductor ensures continuous current mode and filters high-frequency switching noise effectively.
Practical Example :
Imagine you’re powering an ESP32 Wi-Fi module using a 5V SMPS. If your ripple exceeds 100mV, the Wi-Fi signal may drop. Using a 47µF ceramic capacitor with an ESR of <0.01Ω can help smooth out the voltage.
Sample Calculation :
Assuming 100kHz switching frequency and 1A load:
To keep ripple <50mV,
C = I / (ΔV × 2πf) = 1 / (0.05 × 2π × 100,000) ≈ 32µF
Use a 47µF ceramic capacitor for margin.
Product Suggestion :
Try these India-made components:
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.