Impact of AC effects on current density analysis of pcb for 50-60Hz

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the current density analysis of PCBs handling 50-60Hz AC power, specifically addressing the misconception that AC effects significantly deviate from DC analysis for low-frequency applications. It is established that for reasonable-sized PCBs, the AC behavior at these frequencies does not deviate much from DC due to the skin depth being greater than trace width and thickness. The conversation also highlights the importance of considering copper section for current carrying capacity and potential surface insulation breakdown issues, particularly for a PCB operating at 208VAC.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of AC impedance analysis
  • Familiarity with PCB design for AC power distribution
  • Knowledge of skin effect and its implications in low-frequency circuits
  • Awareness of safety agency AC Mains design rules
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  • Research AC impedance analysis techniques for low-frequency applications
  • Learn about skin depth calculations in copper for 50-60Hz
  • Explore PCB design guidelines for AC power distribution
  • Investigate safety agency requirements for AC Mains PCB designs
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Electrical engineers, PCB designers, and safety compliance professionals involved in the design and analysis of PCBs for AC power applications.

ursonor99
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TL;DR
what is the correct approach to current density analysis of a PCB when it is distributing 50-60 hz AC power
Hello ,
I was looking into current density analysis of a PCB that handles distribution of AC power . from ansys and cadence sites , i realized by current density they refer to DC IR drop that is a pure ohmic analysis that doesn't take into consideration the AC effects . And in order to take this into consideration , we need to go to AC impedance analysis and obtain EM losses . But I observed this kind of analysis was done for high frequency AC circuits for decoupling cap suggestions etc .

So i was curious to know how much the current density behavior will deviate from DC for a low frequency like 50-60Hz ? as for such frequencies the skin depths are much greater than trace width and thickness
 
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Welcome to PF.

Your instincts are good; 50-60Hz AC should not deviate much from DC for reasonable size PCBs. Is this for a power supply PCBA? Why are you needing to distribute AC Mains frequencies on a PCB? What kind of currents and voltages are involved? Are you well-versed in safety agency AC Mains design rules?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.

Your instincts are good; 50-60Hz AC should not deviate much from DC for reasonable size PCBs. Is this for a power supply PCBA? Why are you needing to distribute AC Mains frequencies on a PCB? What kind of currents and voltages are involved? Are you well-versed in safety agency AC Mains design rules?
The voltages are 208VAC 4W . the pcb takes AC mains power and generates few DC voltages and also powers few AC motors etc .
 
The traces on a circuit board are thin compared to skin depth in copper at 50/60 Hz. For that reason AC effects can be ignored. The tracks will be wide, so will have lower inductance. Avoid multi-layers as I²R heat needs to escape.

One problem will be having enough copper section to carry the required current.
Another problem will be surface insulation breakdown between tracks or surface terminals, that may require slots be cut in the PCB.
 
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ursonor99 said:
The voltages are 208VAC 4W . the pcb takes AC mains power and generates few DC voltages and also powers few AC motors etc .
With my Mentor superpowers, I can see what country you are posting from. What safety agency approvals will you be applying for with this new product?
 
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