Incidentally, magnetic core inductors have permeability that ranges in the hundreds (μ = 100+).Īs such, they provide a significantly higher inductance for the same size inductor. If you require an inductor with higher inductance, you should consider using a core with magnetic material or ferromagnetic material. This is because air, much like ceramic, has virtually no magnetic properties, and thus it does not enhance the coil’s inductance in any way. Air has a relative permeability of 1 (μ = 1). If we increase permeability, we increase inductance. Inductance is directly proportional to permeability.
The cross-sectional area of the coil (A).We can determine the electromagnetic inductance of an inductor by four main factors:
Factors Influencing InductanceĪ collection of industrial choke inductors
Source: Wikimedia Commons How To Measure Inductanceīefore we can explore how to measure inductance, we need to examine which factors influence inductance. Nevertheless, the different electronic symbols for inductors look like this:Įlectric/Electronic Symbols for Inductors It gets its name from Joseph Henry, a prominent scientist who discovered mutual inductance. We measure inductance using the SI unit of inductance, which we know as the Henry (H). On the other hand, we use inductors in and AC applications like radio TV. We can also use them in lower voltage applications and general purposes where we require large capacitance values. Nevertheless, we generally use capacitors in high-voltage electrolytic applications such as power supplies. Notably, this is where inductors get their names. Consequently, this is a process that we know as electromagnetic induction. In contrast, inductors store energy in a magnetic field and release it as electrical energy. However, a capacitor stores energy in an electric field. They both are passive components that store energy from a circuit and then discharge it. While inductors and capacitors serve similar functions, they work pretty differently. Power supply board capacitors and inductors Differences Between Inductors and Capacitors They all have their own unique basic properties, constructs, and purposes. There are a wide variety of different types of inductorson the electronics market. It describes the ratio between magnetic flux and the electric current that induces it. This resistance to electric flow is what we know as inductance. Inductors function on the same principle but with an electric charge. However, once it starts spinning and has substantial momentum, it will take time to stop spinning when you cut off the water supply. When you have a heavy stationary waterwheel and start flowing water through it, it will take some time and energy to get the wheel up and spinning. To illustrate, we can think of inductors as large waterwheels. However, it takes a while before the inductor transforms and releases all magnetic and electric energy, and this is the basic concept of electromagnetism which all inductors function on. In this stage, it mimics a classic piece of wire. However, when the current stops flowing, the electromagnetic field breaks down, and the magnetic energy transforms into electronic energy. As current flows through this cluster, it becomes magnetic energy. When we coil a cluster of wires, this can create an even larger magnetic field. Because of Faraday’s Law of Induction, when an electric current passes through a coil, it creates a magnetic field. Most air inductors are tightly insulated wire wound together without a center. How Does An Inductor Work?Īs you may have noticed, inductors don’t necessarily require formers to function. Formers can use the following main types of core material:Ĭonsequently, ferrite and iron core inductors may be the most preferable because they can generate larger magnetic fields and thus store more energy. Generally, most inductors appear as a coil of wire (often copper wire) around a magnetic or nonmagnetic former. Consequently, it uses a magnetic field to achieve this. What is An Inductor?Īn inductor is an electronic component that transiently stores energy. Nevertheless, this guide will explore some of the Inductor Basics. These are only some of the reasons why you should learn about inductors. This is why we often use them in variable power supplies. As a result, they are great for filtering signals and transforming between different AC voltages. They impose changes in the flow of current. They’re as popular as resistors in applications that use AC. However, they’re essential to learn about if you’re doing anything that involves alternating current (AC). Inductors are rare for hobby electronics.