PWM Frequency Calculator | Period, Duty Cycle, Resolution

📖 PWM Frequency Calculator

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to control the average voltage delivered to a load by varying the duty cycle of a square wave. This calculator helps you determine frequency, period, duty cycle, and timer settings for PWM applications.

📐 PWM Formulas

Frequency: f = 1 / T
Period: T = 1 / f
Duty Cycle: D = (Ton / T) × 100%
PWM Resolution: N = log2(Timer_Count)
Timer Frequency: f_timer = f_PWM × 2^N

📊 Common PWM Applications

Application	Frequency Range	Resolution
LED Dimming	100 Hz - 1 kHz	8-10 bits
Motor Control (DC)	5 kHz - 30 kHz	10-12 bits
Audio Amplifiers	100 kHz - 1 MHz	12-16 bits
Switching Power Supplies	50 kHz - 1 MHz	8-12 bits
Servo Control	50 Hz	8-10 bits
LED Lighting (Automotive)	100 Hz - 500 Hz	8-10 bits

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is PWM frequency? ▼

PWM frequency is the number of complete cycles per second. Higher frequencies reduce audible noise and allow faster response but may increase switching losses. Typical frequencies range from 50Hz to 1MHz.

What is duty cycle? ▼

Duty cycle is the percentage of time the signal is HIGH compared to the total period. A 50% duty cycle means the signal is ON for half the period, resulting in half the average voltage.

How do I choose PWM frequency for motor control? ▼

For DC motors, use 5-30kHz to avoid audible noise. For servo control, use 50Hz (20ms period) standard. Higher frequencies provide smoother control but may cause more heating.

What is PWM resolution? ▼

PWM resolution is the number of discrete duty cycle steps available. Higher resolution = finer control. An 8-bit PWM has 256 steps, 10-bit has 1024 steps, 12-bit has 4096 steps.