Tesla Coil Design Calculator
Engineer-grade tool for SGTC/DRSSTC tuning. Calculates resonant frequencies, LC parameters, and required topload capacitance with AWG and dielectric databases.
About
High-voltage resonant transformers require precise impedance matching between the primary and secondary circuits. A mismatch results in poor spark length, excessive heating, or catastrophic failure of the tank capacitor bank or IGBTs (in DRSSTC systems). This tool models the physical properties of the coil geometry to determine the resonant frequency f0, inductance L, and required topload capacitance Ctop.
We account for the helical coil structure using Wheeler's formula and Medhurst's correction for self-capacitance. The dielectric database adjusts for coil form material losses. This ensures the system remains within the safe breakdown voltage limits of the air gap and wire insulation.
Formulas
The resonant frequency is defined by the LC tank circuit:
Helical coil inductance (L) is approximated via Wheeler's Formula for single-layer air-core solenoids:
Where N is turns, r is radius (inches), and h is height (inches). Result in microhenries (µH).
Reference Data
| Material | Dielectric Constant (k) | Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air (Dry) | 1.0006 | 3.0 | Baseline reference |
| PVC (Grey) | 2.9 | 14.0 | Common form material, high loss at HF |
| Acrylic (Plexiglass) | 3.4 | 20.0 | Good arc resistance |
| Polypropylene | 2.2 | 22.0 | Excellent for capacitors (MMKP) |
| LDPE (Polyethylene) | 2.26 | 45.0 | High breakdown voltage |
| Epoxy Resin | 3.6 | 20.0 | Used for potting/sealing |
| Phenolic (Bakelite) | 4.8 | 12.0 | Poor tracking resistance |
| Glass (Pyrex) | 4.7 | 13.0 | High thermal stability |
| Transformer Oil | 2.2 | 12.0 | Cooling and insulation |
| Cardboard (Dry) | 2.5 | 3.0 | Prototyping only |