Bleeder Resistor

Bleeder Resistor

In many electronics circuits, we see high value resistors placed in parallel with capacitors. When we try to analyze the normal functionality of the circuit we tend to realize that the resistor is no where in the picture except causing power loss. But the same resistor plays a major role when the input power is off or the load is removed.

Bleeder resistors are commonly used in electronics circuits for safe guarding the circuit against high charges. Let us take an example of a switching mode power supply providing a 12V output from a 240V input having capability of 10A. Let us assume that the load connected consumes 2A. So, the output power at the regulator is 24W. Let us assume that the load is supplied continuously and at one instant load is OFF. In this scenario, the output capacitors have a very high charge and they doesn't have the path to discharge. This is where the bleeder resistor helps. In this scenario, we are talking about only 10W but there are AC-AC converters, other power modules supplying up to kW of power.

Some more points on the Bleeder resistor,
  • Bleeder resistor is selected base don the charge holding capability of capacitor and hence it's capacitance value.
  • Bleeder resistor is connected in parallel with the capacitor to ground to provide the discharge path for the capacitor.
  • Bleeder resistor wattage rating is one of the critical rating.
  • Bleeder resistor must be selected such that during normal operation, the power loss through the resistor must be very less or negligible. In other way, the quiescent consumption of the bleeder resistor must be very less.
  • Bleeder resistor helps the circuit to discharge the charge and hence prevents any shocks due to charge storage. So, if  safety is a major concern for your circuit, then bleeder resistor is a must. 
  • Designers always have a challenge on deciding the bleeder resistor value. If the circuit demands low power consumption, then having higher value of bleeder resistor is preffered. But the higher value of bleeder resistor restricts the quicker discharge. So, the value vs discharge time is always a design trade-off.
  • For high-voltages (> 50V), a bleeder resistor is to be included in the circuit to remove the hazard of an unexpected voltage in the filter capacitor when the supply is turned off. 
  • Take the case of a switching mode power supply, for a AC input, post the bridge rectifier the smoothing shall be done using the filter capacitor, here the voltages are well beyond 100VDC and can they can hold a dangerous voltage level under no load conditions if not discharged properly. This is where bleeder resistor is a must. The below image shows the bleeder resistors R1, R2 in such scenario.

Post a Comment

14 Comments

  1. Hello! I could have sworn I've been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post
    I realized it's new to me. Anyways, I'm definitely delighted I found it and
    I'll be bookmarking and checking back often!

    ReplyDelete
  2. They mainly put their efforts in making space at the
    page by designing locations of everything, including navigation bars, search box and all.
    By using the data from Google Adwords, SEO company London experts can match keywords that
    they want to target and are specific. Many
    organisations are finding that they have a better outcome when they employ a service
    to perform their London web design as well as Facebook development and social media
    UK options.

    ReplyDelete
  3. But unlike other SEO companies London or elsewhere, we forge long term partnerships for long-lasting success.
    There are always product demonstrations and distinctive displays unfold through Hamleys seven dynamic floors.
    But if you are not, then you have to create a distinct identity for your business.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This gives a website web presence and it gives you a major advantage over your
    competition. They do their level best to make a site attractive and
    beautiful. But if you are not, then you have to create a distinct identity for your business.

    ReplyDelete
  5. They mainly put their efforts in making space
    at the page by designing locations of everything, including navigation bars, search box and all.
    There are always product demonstrations and distinctive displays unfold through
    Hamleys seven dynamic floors. You need to check that they are qualified accountants as many will not be.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This gives a website web presence and it gives
    you a major advantage over your competition. Each of the images on your web site should
    really have proper detailed titles and alt tags too.

    Many organisations are finding that they have a better outcome when they employ
    a service to perform their London web design as well as Facebook development and social media UK options.

    ReplyDelete
  7. They mainly put their efforts in making space at the page by designing locations of everything, including navigation bars, search box and
    all. There are always product demonstrations and
    distinctive displays unfold through Hamleys
    seven dynamic floors. Taking a look at other company's websites within a particular niche field can clue you in to what's being actively searched for, and what's not.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Some SEO companies may only offer basic professional SEO services.
    There is absolutely no point in finding one of the
    great London Accountants only to find that they are actually too far away
    from your place of business to be accessible.
    Taking a look at other company's websites within a particular niche field can clue you in to what's being actively searched for, and what's not.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So, additional efforts have to be undertaken to develop the visiting page of your
    website. There is absolutely no point in finding one of
    the great London Accountants only to find that
    they are actually too far away from your place of business to
    be accessible. By using a service that can provide you will all of the various choices,
    you will save time and money getting online and noticed.

    ReplyDelete
  10. This gives a website web presence and it gives you a major advantage
    over your competition. They do their level best to make a site attractive and beautiful.
    You need to check that they are qualified accountants as
    many will not be.

    ReplyDelete
  11. They mainly put their efforts in making space at the page by
    designing locations of everything, including navigation bars, search box and all.
    Furthermore, a keyword should never feel like it is forced awkwardly
    to fit into content. But if you are not, then you have to create a distinct identity for your business.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Some SEO companies may only offer basic professional SEO
    services. Each of the images on your web site should really have proper detailed titles and alt tags too.

    You need to check that they are qualified accountants as many will not be.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This gives a website web presence and it gives you a major advantage over
    your competition. There is absolutely no point in finding
    one of the great London Accountants only to find that they are
    actually too far away from your place of business to
    be accessible. While it may take a little while for changes in design culture to filter out into the more remote regions of the UK, London because of its position as the capital city gets to see new
    concepts first, thanks to a plethora of exhibitions and shows dedicated to web
    design.

    ReplyDelete
  14. He forms the enjoyable and informative articles related to Web Design Company
    and SEO Company in the UK. There are always product demonstrations and distinctive
    displays unfold through Hamleys seven dynamic floors.
    You can get the contact details of the various seo companies by surfing around the
    globally web and create sure that you go through details of the training organization successfully before you be a part of your name for having
    a bright profession ahead.

    ReplyDelete