Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Frequency (MHz)

Required number input.

Compute the copper skin depth in micrometers at a given frequency in megahertz. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Skin depth (um)

The resulting skin depth returned as a number.

• Classical skin-depth formulas assume a homogeneous conductor with linear permeability at a specified frequency. Surface roughness, proximity effect, plating, geometry, temperature, and magnetic loss can materially change high-frequency resistance.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• PCB Trace Skin Effect Resistance

  Estimate high-frequency PCB trace resistance with skin depth δ=√(ρ/(πfμ)) and effective conducting perimeter area 2δ(w+t); valid only when skin depth is much smaller than width and thickness.

• Copper Loss

  Compute resistive winding or conductor loss as I²R from RMS current and resistance at the relevant operating temperature. Output is watts; AC skin and proximity effects are not included unless already reflected in the supplied resistance.

• Decap Resonance

  Compute the resonant frequency in megahertz of a decoupling capacitor from its mounted series inductance in nanohenries and capacitance in nanofarads.