Power Electronics & Semiconductors

Linear DC Power Supply Ripple & Reservoir Capacitor Lab

Size reservoir filter capacitors for linear AC-DC power supplies and measure peak-to-peak ripple Vpp under varying load currents.

Speed
Converts a 12V AC 60Hz sine wave (CH1) into smooth DC voltage (CH2) using four Shockley silicon diodes and a switchable 100 µF filter capacitor.
● CH1: CH1
● CH2: CH2

Engineering Theory & Mathematical Model

C_filter ≥ I_load / (2 × f_line × V_ripple_max)

Between rectified AC peaks (every 8.33 ms on a 60 Hz grid), the reservoir capacitor supplies the load current alone. Increasing capacitance C or reducing load current proportionally flattens Vpp on the oscilloscope.

Interactive Lab Procedure

  1. Read exact Vpp directly from the CH2 statistics bar beneath the oscilloscope.
  2. Click capacitor CF (100 µF) and sweep it from 10 µF (heavy ripple) to 1000 µF (ultra-clean DC)!
  3. Test both 50 Hz and 60 Hz mains frequencies on VAC1.

Technical FAQ

What is the core governing formula for Linear DC Power Supply Ripple & Reservoir Capacitor Lab?

C_filter ≥ I_load / (2 × f_line × V_ripple_max) — Between rectified AC peaks (every 8.33 ms on a 60 Hz grid), the reservoir capacitor supplies the load current alone. Increasing capacitance C or reducing load current proportionally flattens Vpp on the oscilloscope.

Can I modify component values and rewire this circuit live?

Yes! The schematic above runs a live MNA SPICE engine. Click any part to adjust parameters, add or delete wires and components, and click Share URL to save your custom topology.

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