Elmore RC Ladder Delay Calculator
Calculate the first-moment Elmore delay of a serial resistor ladder with grounded shunt capacitances.
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Result
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Calculation steps
Work through one step at a time or reveal the complete calculation. The steps use your current inputs.
How to calculate
Each serial resistor sees the total capacitance that its current must charge downstream.
Output first moment=Σ Ri×sum of all capacitances at and downstream of Ri
Worked example
Resistors100,200 and capacitors10,20 pF give delay100×30pF+200×20pF=7 ns.
Assumptions and input details
Equal list lengths, positive resistors and nonnegative capacitances with positive total. This is a first moment, not exact 50% propagation time. Ideal step source, grounded capacitors and no inductance, coupling or active loading.
Using this calculator
Can I enter my own problem?
Yes. Replace the example values with your own inputs. The result, calculation steps, tables and applicable diagrams update from those inputs. Blank or invalid values clear the result; example values are never silently substituted for missing inputs.
Are the results exact?
Results use floating-point arithmetic and displayed rounding. Read the formula, assumptions and any stated data precision before interpreting the result.
Is my input uploaded?
The calculation runs in your browser. No account, file upload or external AI service is required. Inputs are not saved between page reloads.
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