Enter the ambient temperature and the maximum operating temperature into the calculator to determine the derating factor for electronic components.
Derating Factor Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the derating factor:
DF = (T_{max} - T_{ambient}) / T_{max}Variables:
- DF is the derating factor
- T_max is the maximum operating temperature (°C)
- T_ambient is the ambient temperature (°C)
To calculate the derating factor, subtract the ambient temperature from the maximum operating temperature and then divide by the maximum operating temperature.
What is a Derating Factor?
A derating factor is a coefficient used in engineering to reduce the nominal operating capacity of a device when it is subjected to certain conditions, such as elevated temperatures. It is a safety measure to prevent overloading electronic components when they operate in environments warmer than their optimal temperature range. The derating factor is used to calculate a safe operating capacity to enhance the longevity and reliability of electronic components.
How to Calculate Derating Factor?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Derating Factor.
- First, determine the maximum operating temperature (T_max) of the device in degrees Celsius.
- Next, determine the ambient temperature (T_ambient) where the device will operate, also in degrees Celsius.
- Use the formula DF = (T_max – T_ambient) / T_max to calculate the derating factor.
- Finally, apply the derating factor to the device’s nominal capacity to find the safe operating capacity under the given conditions.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
maximum operating temperature (T_max) = 150°C
ambient temperature (T_ambient) = 35°C
