A convenient desktop-accessible calculator of E-series component values
As explained in the E series Wikipedia page: “The E series is a system of preferred numbers (also called preferred values) derived for use in electronic components. It consists of the E3, E6, E12, E24, E48, E96, and E192 series, where the number after the ‘E’ designates the quantity of logarithmic value ‘steps’ per decade. Although it is theoretically possible to produce components of any value, in practice, the need for inventory simplification has led the industry to settle on the E series for resistors, capacitors, inductors, and zener diodes.”
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It’s convenient at times to have a desktop calculator that accepts a computed value x and returns the standard, commercially available value closest to it for a specified E series. Here, “closest” means that candidate value for which the absolute value of the computed error (candidate/x – 1) is the smallest.
The following GitHub link:
hosts the files needed to create the desktop icon, which calls the application, both of which are shown in Figure 1. It also contains a README file, which details how to install the files on a Windows PC, and a User Manual.
Figure 1 The desktop icon that calls the application, which is also shown. The E3 series has been selected, and a computed value of 56 has been entered. The closest E3 series value of 47 is apparent, along with the calculated error of the selected candidate.
Selecting a different series will automatically calculate and present the nearest value and its error for that series. Pressing the <Enter> key in the Enter Value box will clear the entry so that a new one can be checked. The Enter Value numeric sequence may be followed by an exponent (e6, E-2, etc.). A single alpha character (for instance, M, k, n, or others) also may be appended. Neither is necessary, but the format of the Nearest E value will always follow that of the Enter value.
Although not needed often, this is convenient to have around with the touch of a Desktop icon. Move it elsewhere if the Desktop is not your preferred location.
Christopher Paul has worked in various engineering positions in the communications industry for over 40 years.
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