What is ripple and noise?

Ripple and noise indicate AC adapters' performance and are written in our specifications as follows. (Extract from UNIFIVE Product Specification)

Both ripple and noise are minute DC fluctuations contained in the output voltage, which is direct current and should theoretically be zero. However, in principle, it is difficult to completely eliminate them. Small ripple noise is a key factor in the quality of an AC adapter.

It's important to note that minimizing ripple or noise doesn't automatically mean the AC adapter is the best. This is because reducing these fluctuations often requires increasing the quantity and size of components, which in turn leads to a larger, heavier, and more expensive product. Therefore, it's a trade-off that readers need to consider based on their specific needs.

Therefore, selecting the optimum performance for the equipment you require in your AC adapter is necessary.

The difference between ripple and noise is explained in the standards stipulated in the figure below courtesy of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

(Source:JEITA)

Ripple fluctuation with a frequency of 50/60 Hz in an AC power supply and noise fluctuation with a frequency of several tens of kHz or more caused by switching an AC adapter. There is a relationship between their interaction and their combination.

 "ripple noise," "ripple," "noise" <"ripple noise" <"ripple" + "noise."

At our company, various AC adapters are prepared according to application, and individual specifications can also be downloaded. We can also deliver individualized correspondence, so if you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

The JEITA standard introduced here can be purchased from the following page. If you are only browsing, information is also available for free, so please refer to their website for more details.

JEITA Standard,General Electronic Components Division,Conversion Parts Relationship