Output voltage ripple is a measure of the variation or fluctuation in the output voltage of a power supply. It is typically measured as the peak-to-peak value of the voltage waveform.
The output voltage ripple can affect the performance and stability of electronic devices that rely on a steady power supply. High levels of ripple can cause malfunctions, overheating, and premature failure of components.
Output voltage ripple is calculated by measuring the peak-to-peak voltage of the waveform and dividing it by the DC voltage level. This ratio is then multiplied by 100 to get the percentage ripple value.
There are several factors that can contribute to output voltage ripple, including the design and quality of the power supply, the load on the power supply, and the frequency and type of AC input voltage.
Output voltage ripple can be reduced by using a higher quality power supply with better filtering components, minimizing the load on the power supply, and using a higher frequency AC input voltage. Additionally, adding external capacitors or using a voltage regulator circuit can also help reduce ripple.