1. What is PWM Duty Cycle?

The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) duty cycle represents the percentage of time a signal is in the "on" state relative to the total period of the signal. It's a crucial parameter in controlling power delivery in electronic systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the duty cycle equation:

Where:

• On Time — Duration the signal is active (seconds)
• Period — Total duration of one complete cycle (seconds)

Explanation: The equation calculates what percentage of the total period the signal remains in the active state.

3. Importance of Duty Cycle Calculation

Details: Duty cycle determines the average power delivered to a load in PWM applications. It's essential for motor speed control, LED dimming, power regulation, and many other electronic applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter on time and period in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers, and on time cannot exceed the period.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical duty cycle range?
A: Duty cycle ranges from 0% (always off) to 100% (always on), with most applications operating between 5% and 95%.

Q2: How does duty cycle relate to voltage?
A: For a constant voltage source, the average output voltage equals the duty cycle multiplied by the source voltage.

Q3: What happens if on time exceeds period?
A: This is physically impossible in PWM systems. The calculator will not return a result in this case.

Q4: Can duty cycle be greater than 100%?
A: No, by definition duty cycle cannot exceed 100% as it represents a percentage of the period.

Q5: How does frequency relate to duty cycle?
A: Frequency is the reciprocal of period. Duty cycle depends on the ratio of on time to period, not directly on frequency.