Inductors are essential components in many electrical circuits as they are used for storing energy in the form of magnetic fields. Along with capacitors and resistors, they form the three fundamental passive components in electronic circuits. In this article, we will look at the definition of inductors, types of inductors, their functions, and how they work.
What is an Inductor?
An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it. It is made of a coil of wire wound around a magnetic core. The inductor resists changes in the current that passes through it, by inducing a voltage that opposes the changes.
Types of Inductors
There are various types of inductors, some of which we will discuss below.
1. Air-core Inductors – These inductors consist of a coil wound around a former with no magnetic core.
2. Iron-core Inductors – They are made up of a coil of wire wound around an iron core.
3. Toroidal Inductors – These are similar to iron-core inductors but are circular in shape.
4. Multilayer Inductors – These inductors have multiple layers of metal conductors separated by insulating material.
Functions of Inductors
Inductors serve a wide range of functions in electronics, some of which are listed below.
1. Energy Storage – Inductors store energy in the form of a magnetic field, which can be released when needed.
2. Filtering – They can be used to filter out high-frequency noise from electrical circuits.
3. Power Supplies – Inductors play a critical role in the design of power supplies by regulating the voltage and current.
4. Oscillators – They are used in the design of oscillators to maintain a stable frequency.
Working Principle of Inductors
According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, when there is a change in the magnetic field through a coil of wire, a voltage is induced in the coil. The magnitude of the induced voltage is proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic field. Therefore, when a current flows through an inductor, it creates a magnetic field around it, and the expanding or collapsing magnetic field will generate a voltage across the terminals of the inductor.
Applications of Inductors in Electronic Circuits
Inductors play a vital role in a wide range of electronic circuits, some of which are listed below.
1. Power Supplies – Inductors are used in the design of power supplies to smooth out the current and voltage.
2. Filters – They can be used in filtering unwanted frequencies from electronic circuits.
3. Converters – Inductors are used in DC-DC converters to regulate the voltage and current.
4. Speakers – They are used in speakers to convert electrical signals into sound.
Capacitor Inductor Filter
A capacitor inductor filter is a combination of a capacitor and an inductor used in power supplies to filter out high-frequency noise. When used together, they create a low-pass filter that allows low-frequency signals to pass while blocking high-frequency ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inductors are essential components in most electronic circuits that are used for storing energy in the form of magnetic fields. They perform various functions, including energy storage, filtering, power supply regulation, and oscillator design. The different types of inductors include air-core, iron-core, toroidal, and multilayer inductors, each with its unique benefits. Capacitor inductor filters play a critical role in power supply design, filtering out unwanted noise by creating a low-pass filter. Understanding the basics of inductors is essential for all electronics enthusiasts, from hobbyists to professional engineers.