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Electrical

Buck Converter Duty Cycle Calculator

Estimate the ideal duty cycle for a step-down DC converter.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
Circuit workbench
Circuit workbench

Keep RMS, peak and DC values distinct.

See the method

Enter circuit values

Runs on your device

Your circuit result

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter input voltage, desired output voltage.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

For an ideal buck converter in continuous conduction, D = Vout/Vin.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using input voltage = 12 V, desired output voltage = 5 V, the result is 41.6666667 %. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

Ideal continuous-conduction model; losses, minimum on-time, ripple and control-loop stability are not included.

What to keep in mind

Ideal continuous-conduction model; losses, minimum on-time, ripple and control-loop stability are not included. Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

Common questions

How do I use this buck converter duty cycle calculator?

Estimate the ideal duty cycle for a step-down DC converter. Enter input voltage in V, desired output voltage in V. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

Ideal continuous-conduction model; losses, minimum on-time, ripple and control-loop stability are not included.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.