Duty cycle calculation: A pulse waveform has a high time (Ton) of 8 ms and a period (pulse width from start of one pulse to the start of the next) of 32 ms. What is the duty cycle?

Introduction / Context:
Duty cycle quantifies the fraction of time a digital or pulse waveform stays high during each cycle. It is widely used in PWM control, digital timing, and communications. The duty cycle is expressed as a percentage of the period.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• High (on) time Ton = 8 ms.
• Period T = 32 ms (time between successive pulse starts).
• Single, stable repetition rate; ignore rise/fall times.

Concept / Approach:

Duty cycle D is defined as D = (Ton / T) * 100%. Insert the given values directly to compute the percentage.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Sanity check: Since the high time is one quarter of the period, the duty cycle must be 25%. The waveform is high for 8 ms and low for 24 ms each 32 ms cycle.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

50% would require Ton = T/2 = 16 ms. 1% implies Ton ≈ 0.32 ms. 100% means always high (no low time), which is not the case here.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing 'pulse width' as Ton; here, the problem clarifies the period is 32 ms. Always confirm definitions in context.

Final Answer:

25%