How is the duty cycle established?

The duty cycle is defined as the ratio of the time a signal is in an active state (the pulse width) to the total time of one cycle of the signal, which is referred to as the pulse-repetition time. This calculation gives insight into how much of the time the signal is "on" compared to how much time it cycles between “on” and “off.”

When calculating the duty cycle, the pulse width is divided by the pulse-repetition time. This relationship is expressed typically as a percentage, indicating how often a system is active in its operation. For example, if a system has a pulse width of 2 milliseconds and a pulse-repetition time of 10 milliseconds, the duty cycle would be calculated as (2 ms / 10 ms) * 100%, yielding a duty cycle of 20%.

This understanding is fundamental in various applications, including signal processing and controlling devices, since it impacts the performance and efficiency of the system. By correctly calculating and interpreting the duty cycle, engineers and technicians can optimize performance and ensure reliable operation of electronic systems.