AC to DC Power Conversion Calculator

Convert AC voltage, current, and power to DC equivalents with efficiency considerations

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V AC

Common AC voltages:

A
W

Silicon: 0.7V, Schottky: 0.3V

Formulas Used

DC Voltage Output DC Power Output DC Current

V DC W A

Theoretical: V (before diode losses)

DC Voltage

V

DC Power

W

DC Current

A

Power Loss

W

Lost as heat

Efficiency Breakdown

W useful power (%) W lost (%)

Common AC to DC Conversions

AC Input Theoretical DC Application
120V AC (US) ~85V DC DC power supplies
230V AC (EU) ~163V DC Industrial equipment
12V AC ~8.5V DC LED lighting
24V AC ~17V DC HVAC controls

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About AC to DC Power Conversion Calculator

What is AC to DC Power Conversion?

AC to DC power conversion is the process of transforming Alternating Current (AC) into Direct Current (DC). This conversion is essential for powering electronics, charging batteries, and running DC motors from AC power sources.

How This Calculator Works

  1. Select Conversion Mode: Choose what you want to convert (Voltage, Power, or Current)
  2. Enter AC Values: Input your AC voltage, current, or power values
  3. Set Efficiency: Adjust the converter efficiency (default 85%)
  4. Get DC Results: View the converted DC values with detailed breakdown

Key Conversion Formulas

Voltage Conversion

  • Theoretical: V_DC = V_AC(RMS) / √2 ≈ V_AC × 0.707
  • With Losses: V_DC(actual) = V_DC(theoretical) - Diode Drop

Power Conversion

  • P_DC = P_AC × Efficiency
  • Where efficiency (η) = P_out / P_in

Current Conversion

  • I_DC = I_AC × √2 ≈ I_AC × 1.414 (for equivalent power transfer)

Converter Efficiency Guide

Converter Type Typical Efficiency
Linear Regulator 30-60%
Basic Rectifier 60-75%
Switch-Mode PSU 80-90%
High-Efficiency SMPS 90-96%

Common Applications

  • Phone Chargers: Convert 120V/230V AC to 5V DC
  • Laptop Adapters: Convert AC to 19-20V DC
  • LED Drivers: Convert AC to low-voltage DC
  • Industrial Equipment: Power DC motors from AC mains
  • Battery Charging: Solar inverters, UPS systems

Important Considerations

Note: Real-world DC output depends on many factors including rectifier type (half-wave, full-wave, bridge), filter capacitors, load current, and component quality.

Diode Voltage Drop

  • Silicon Diodes: ~0.6-0.7V per diode
  • Schottky Diodes: ~0.2-0.4V per diode
  • Bridge Rectifier: 2× diode drop

Frequently Asked Questions

What affects converter efficiency?

Efficiency depends on converter topology, component quality, switching frequency, load conditions, and thermal management. Modern switch-mode power supplies achieve 85-96% efficiency.

Why is DC voltage lower than AC voltage?

The RMS (Root Mean Square) AC voltage represents the equivalent DC heating effect. The peak DC voltage from rectification is V_peak = V_AC × √2, but after filtering, the average DC is approximately V_AC × 0.707 minus losses.

Should I use theoretical or actual calculations?

For rough estimates, theoretical values work. For precise design, account for diode drops, transformer losses, and converter efficiency.

Converter Efficiency by Type

📉 Linear Regulators

30-60% efficiency

Simple, low noise, but inefficient

🔌 Basic Rectifiers

60-75% efficiency

Simple diode bridge circuits

⚡ Switch-Mode PSU

80-90% efficiency

Most common for electronics

🏆 High-Efficiency SMPS

90-96% efficiency

80 Plus certified supplies

⚠️ Note: Real-world AC to DC conversion involves complex factors including power factor, harmonic distortion, and load variations. This calculator provides theoretical estimates. For precise design, consult electrical engineering resources or professionals.