Selection of the Filter Capacitor for Power Supplies using 1-Phase Diode Rectifier

Diode bridge rectifiers with capacitor-input filters are commonly used at the input stage for power supplies operating from the single phase mains input, as they provide a cost effective solution in the lower power range. However, as there is no simple design rule existing in published literature that gives a reasonable prediction based on real-life conditions, the design of the rectifier-capacitor stage is still a trial and error or based upon experience. This paper presents an approximate (but simple) solution based upon empirical relations, for the prediction of the currents involved and specifies the capacitor, so that it can be selected.