Duty Cycle Calculator
Calculate duty cycle, duty factor, and pulse energy from time or power parameters
Calculate Duty Cycle
Duration when the signal is "on"
Complete cycle duration (on + off time)
Duty Cycle Results
Formula used: D = (PW/T) × 100%
Time parameters: PW = 0.000e+0s, T = 0.000e+0s
Duty Cycle Analysis
Example Calculations
PWM Signal Example
Application: LED brightness control
Period (T): 1 ms (1 kHz frequency)
Pulse Width (PW): 0.3 ms
Calculation: D = (0.3/1) × 100% = 30%
Result: LED operates at 30% brightness
Radar System Example
Peak Power: 20 kW
Average Power: 200 W
Calculation: D = (200/20000) × 100% = 1%
Interpretation: Radar transmits only 1% of the time
Common Applications
PWM Control
Motor speed, LED brightness
Variable duty cycle = variable output
Power Systems
Switching power supplies
Efficiency optimization
RF Systems
Radar, communication
Power management
Industrial Tools
Welders, compressors
Operational limits
Quick Reference
0% duty cycle = always off
50% duty cycle = half time on
100% duty cycle = always on
Duty factor = duty cycle ÷ 100
Higher duty cycle = more average power
Understanding Duty Cycle
What is Duty Cycle?
The duty cycle is the fraction of time a periodic signal is "on" during each complete cycle. It's expressed as a percentage and represents the ratio of pulse width to the total period duration.
Key Applications
- •PWM motor speed control
- •LED brightness control
- •Power supply regulation
- •RF system power management
Formula Explanations
D = (PW/T) × 100%
Time-based calculation
D = (P̄/Pp) × 100%
Power-based calculation
- D: Duty cycle (%)
- PW: Pulse width (time units)
- T: Period (time units)
- P̄: Average power
- Pp: Peak power
PWM and Duty Cycle
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) uses varying duty cycles to control the average power delivered to a load. By rapidly switching between on and off states, PWM can simulate analog control using digital signals.