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Inverting Ćuk DC-DC Converter Component Sizing Calculator

The Ćuk converter is an inverting switching topology that employs capacitive energy transfer rather than inductive storage, providing continuous, non-pulsating currents at both input and output terminals.

DC input supply voltage.

Target inverted output voltage magnitude (actual output is negative).

Rated output load current.

MOSFET PWM switching frequency.

Target peak-to-peak ripple current fraction (typically 0.20 to 0.40).

Allowable peak-to-peak ripple on intermediate coupling capacitor C1.

Calculated Result
33.3%

Operating Duty Cycle

Switch Voltage Stress

36 V

Input Inductor L1

213.3 µH

Output Inductor L2

106.7 µH

Energy Cap C1

13.89 µF

Input Current Iin

1.5 A

Calculation Breakdown

  1. CCM Duty Cycle & Switch Voltage StressD = |Vo| / (Vin + |Vo|) = 0.333; Switch Stress Vsw = Vin + |Vo| = 36 V
  2. Inductor Magnetics Sizing (L1 & L2)L1 = (Vin·D) / (ΔI1·fsw) = 213.3 µH; L2 = (Vin·D) / (ΔI2·fsw) = 106.7 µH
  3. Intermediate Energy Transfer Capacitor (C1)C1 = (Io·D) / (ΔVC1·fsw) = 13.89 µF at rated 36 V DC bias

Ćuk Converter Component Values

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Value
0.053107160213Duty Cycle (%)Switch V (V)L1 (µH)L2 (µH)C1 (µF)ParameterValue

What Is the Inverting Ćuk DC-DC Converter Component Sizing Calculator?

The Ćuk converter is an inverting switching topology that employs capacitive energy transfer rather than inductive storage, providing continuous, non-pulsating currents at both input and output terminals.

Continuous input current drastically reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering requirements, making it ideal for precision solar maximum power tracking and dual-rail audio supplies.

This calculator sizes input inductor L1, output inductor L2, intermediate transfer capacitor C1, duty cycle D = |Vo| / (Vin + |Vo|), and peak switch voltage stress Vsw = Vin + |Vo|.

How Does the Inverting Ćuk DC-DC Converter Component Sizing Calculator Work?

The calculation evaluates user-provided measurements using recognized domain equations, converts between measurement units, and adjusts for real-world efficiency factors.

Inverting Ćuk DC-DC Converter Component Sizing Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

D = \frac{|V_o|}{V_{in} + |V_o|}, \quad L_1 = \frac{V_{in} D}{\Delta I_{L1} f_{sw}}, \quad L_2 = \frac{V_{in} D}{\Delta I_{L2} f_{sw}}, \quad C_1 = \frac{I_o D}{\Delta V_{C1} f_{sw}}

Energy is stored and transferred via intermediate capacitor C1 during switching alternations. Inductors L1 and L2 maintain continuous terminal currents.

How to Use the Inverting Ćuk DC-DC Converter Component Sizing Calculator

  1. Enter your primary measurements in the input fields above.
  2. Select your preferred units (e.g. metric or imperial) if applicable.
  3. Review or adjust operational assumptions such as field efficiency.
  4. Click Calculate to instantly generate the full results breakdown and visual chart.
  5. Use the Reset button at any time to clear the form and test a new scenario.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

24V to -12V 36W Audio Power Rail

Input Values:

inputVoltageVin:24.0
outputVoltageMagnitudeVout:12.0
outputCurrentIo:3.0
switchingFrequencyKHz:100.0
inductorCurrentRippleRatio:0.25
transferCapVoltageRipplePercent:2.0
Worked Steps: Operates at D = 33.3%, switch stress Vsw = 36.0 V, L1 = 213.3 µH, L2 = 106.7 µH, and C1 = 13.9 µF.

Understanding Your Result

Your calculated result represents the realistic operational capacity or baseline output under the specified conditions. Comparing theoretical and effective outputs reveals the direct impact of turns, overlap, and practical downtime.

Factors That Affect the Result

Field terrain, operator experience, equipment maintenance, overlap margin, and weather conditions can significantly influence real-world output.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use this calculator whenever you need quick, verified estimates for job planning, budgeting, equipment sizing, or project timelines.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Intermediate transfer capacitor C1 must withstand a continuous DC bias of Vin + |Vo|.
  • Because both inductors carry DC current with identical voltage waveforms, they can be wound on a single coupled magnetic core with zero ripple steering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

This calculator implements verified, deterministic mathematical equations based on published standards. Results should be treated as professional engineering estimates; always verify critical operations with local equipment manuals and site inspections.

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