MLCC ESR Dissipation Calculator
Calculate the power dissipated in a MLCC due to RMS current through its equivalent series resistance (ESR). Useful for power supply decoupling, DC-DC converters, and ripple current analysis.
Input Parameters
Results
Formula
P = IRMS2 × ESR × (Duty Cycle / 100)
Where IRMS is the RMS current through the capacitor, ESR is the equivalent series resistance, and Duty Cycle accounts for pulse modulation if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is ESR in MLCC?
Equivalent Series Resistance represents losses due to the internal resistance of the capacitor.
Q2: How is power dissipation calculated?
It is RMS current squared multiplied by ESR, adjusted for duty cycle if pulsed.
Q3: Can high ESR cause overheating?
Yes, excessive ESR can cause significant power loss and temperature rise.
Q4: Can I use this for multiple MLCCs in parallel?
Yes, sum their ESR in parallel and compute total power accordingly.
Q5: Is the result exact?
It is an approximation; real power dissipation depends on waveform shape, temperature, and frequency.
Q6: Why include duty cycle?
For pulsed or switching currents, power dissipation scales with the fraction of time the current is applied.
