Switching loss calculator

Choose the switching-loss model your datasheet can support.

No single switching-loss equation is best for every datasheet. PowerFET Lab offers four input methods so the estimate can follow the evidence you actually have.

Four supported methods

  1. Rise/fall time: a triangular voltage-current overlap approximation for first-pass hard-switching estimates.
  2. Eon/Eoff: preferred when manufacturer test conditions resemble the real operating point.
  3. Qgd/gate current: estimates Miller transition time from available gate charge and drive current.
  4. Manual watts: accepts a measured or externally simulated switching-loss value.

Basic hard-switching estimate

Esw ≈ ½ · VDS · ID · (tr + tf)
Psw = Esw · fs · Nevents

This approximation omits nonlinear capacitance, common-source inductance, reverse recovery, gate-loop ringing, dynamic RDS(on), and soft-switching effects unless they are modeled separately.

Do not mix test conditions casually

Scaling Eon/Eoff linearly is only a screening assumption. Compare the datasheet voltage, current, temperature, gate resistance, and commutation loop with the intended converter.

Calculate switching loss