Inductors and chokes are two of the most commonly used components in electrical and electronics engineering. They are used for storing energy in a magnetic field, filtering signals, and controlling the flow of electrical current in a circuit.
What are Inductors & Chokes?
An inductor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when an electrical current flows through it. Inductors are composed of a coil of wire or other conducting material, usually wrapped around an iron core. In contrast, a choke is an inductor designed to block higher-frequency signals while allowing lower-frequency signals to pass through.
Uses of Inductors & Chokes
Inductors and chokes can be used for various purposes, such as filtering, signal transmission, and power regulation. For example, they are often used in filter circuits to reduce the amount of noise and interference in a system. In addition, they are used in high-frequency circuits to minimize signal loss. In power supplies, inductors and chokes help control the current flow. At the same time, in automotive electronics, they are used to regulate the flow of current in the engine’s electrical system.
Advantages of Inductors & Chokes
The main advantage of inductors and chokes is their low cost. Inductors and chokes are relatively inexpensive components, making them attractive for various applications. In addition, they can store energy in a magnetic field, making them an efficient way to filter signals and control current flow.
Disadvantages of Inductors & Chokes
One of the main disadvantages of inductors and chokes is their size. Inductors and chokes can be bulky and difficult to install in applications with limited space, such as in small electronic devices and automotive applications. In addition, they can be difficult to install in applications where the components must be placed in a specific orientation or alignment, such as in some filter circuits. In addition, they can generate heat, reducing their efficiency and potentially damaging other circuit components. This heat can also be difficult to dissipate in some applications, resulting in further performance losses.
Types of Inductors & Chokes
Inductors and chokes come in various sizes, shapes, and configurations, such as three-phase and single phase inductors & chokes, air core inductors, ferrite core inductors, and toroidal chokes.
Three-Phase Inductors & Chokes
Inductors and chokes built for three-phase power are intended to manage the unique requirements of three-phase AC. Three distinct circuits generate this type of AC voltage, each circuit is positioned 120 degrees out of phase with the other two. Three-phase inductors and chokes are commonly utilized in high-power applications like motors and generators.
Single-Phase Inductors & Chokes
Single-phase inductors and chokes are designed to handle single-phase AC power. Single-phase AC power is an alternating current (AC) voltage generated by a single circuit. Single circuit chokes can be used to filter AC ripple from DC circuits. Single-phase inductors and chokes are typically used in applications that require lower power levels, such as light fixtures and appliances.
Single and Three Phase Line Inductors & DC Chokes
Single and three phase line inductors and DC chokes are all types of inductors used in electrical circuits to store energy in a magnetic field.
Single phase line inductors are used in AC power systems to smooth out voltage fluctuations and improve power factor. They are typically wound around a core made of iron or other magnetic materials and connected in series with the load.
Three phase line inductors are similar to single phase line inductors, but they are designed to handle three-phase AC power systems. They are used mainly to reduce voltage fluctuations.
DC chokes, also known as DC inductors or smoothing chokes, are used in DC power supplies to filter out unwanted AC components and provide a smooth DC voltage output. They are similar to single phase line inductors, but they are designed to handle DC current.
All these inductors have a common characteristic – they resist changes in current flow by generating a magnetic field. This property makes them useful for a variety of applications in electrical circuits.
Air Core Inductors
Air core inductors are simple inductors that have no core material. They are typically made from a coil of wire and are commonly used for high-frequency applications. Three-phase and single-phase air core inductors are available, and they are typically used in applications that require higher power levels, such as motors and generators.
Ferrite Core Inductors
Ferrite core inductors are inductors that are made with a ferrite core material. This material helps increase the inductor’s inductance and is commonly used in filter circuits and power supplies. Three-phase and single-phase ferrite core inductors are available, and they are typically used in applications that require lower power levels, such as light fixtures and appliances.
Common Mode Chokes
Common mode chokes are electronic components used to suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) in electrical circuits. They are designed to block common-mode noise, which is the noise that appears in both conductors of a transmission line with respect to the ground. A common mode choke consists of two or more coils wound on a single core material, such as ferrite or iron powder. The coils are wound in such a way that they generate a magnetic field that cancels out any common-mode noise in the circuit.
Common mode chokes are commonly used in power supplies, motor drives, and other applications where EMI can cause interference or damage to sensitive electronic equipment. They are also used in audio and video equipment to eliminate hum and other unwanted noise.
When selecting a common mode choke, it is important to consider factors such as the frequency range of the noise to be suppressed, the maximum current that will flow through the choke, and the voltage rating of the choke. It is also important to ensure that the choke is compatible with the rest of the circuit and that it does not introduce any additional noise or distortion.
Johnson Electric does not manufacture Ferrite Core Inductors or Toroidal Chokes, but they are listed here for information on uses. For more information about our services please visit our Inductors & Chokes page or contact us today!
Toroidal Chokes
Toroidal chokes are inductors that are made in the shape of a toroid. They are typically made from a coil of wire wound around a ferrite core and are commonly used in power supplies and automotive electronics. Three-phase and single-phase toroidal chokes are available and typically used in power supplies and automotive electronics.
Applications of Inductors & Chokes
Inductors and chokes are used in various applications, such as filter circuits, high-frequency circuits, power supplies, and automotive electronics. We examine each of these applications in greater detail below.
Filter Circuits
Filter circuits use inductors and chokes to reduce the amount of noise and interference in a system. Inductors act as low-pass filters, blocking high-frequency signals while allowing lower-frequency signals to pass through. Chokes are also used in filter circuits to reduce the amount of noise and interference.
High-Frequency Circuits
High-frequency circuits use inductors and chokes to minimize signal loss. Inductors are used to reduce the amount of energy lost in the circuit, while chokes are used to block high-frequency signals that could interfere with the signal.
Power Supplies
Power supplies use inductors and chokes to control the circuit’s current flow. Inductors are used to store energy in a magnetic field, while chokes are used to block higher-frequency signals.
Automotive Electronics
Automotive electronics use inductors and chokes to regulate current flow in the engine’s electrical system. Inductors are used to filter out unwanted noise and interference, while chokes are used to manage the flow of current in the system
Conclusion
Inductors and chokes are essential components in electrical and electronics engineering. They are used for various purposes, such as filtering signals, controlling current flow, and storing energy in a magnetic field. There are various types and configurations of inductors and chokes available, and they can be used in various applications. Inductors and chokes have both advantages and disadvantages, but overall they are an effective and efficient way to filter signals, control current flow, and store energy in a magnetic field.
Inductors & Chokes at Johnson Electric
Johnson Electric Coil Company offers comprehensive design, engineering, and production services to supply customers with the best, most reliable, and cost-effective single-phase and three-phase inductors and chokes. We have some of the industry’s most extensive inductor and choke design and manufacturing capabilities. As a result, we can fully accommodate our customers’ safety agency requirements, both domestically and abroad. On top of our specialist engineering and production services, we collaborate with our customers to customize scheduling, packaging, shipping, billing, and communication practices to meet their unique inventory management, product handling, delivery, and customer service demands. Our mission is to deliver quality service that allows our customers to be at the forefront of their markets. Although we mainly distribute in the US, our single-phase and three-phase inductors and chokes can be found worldwide as parts in OEM apparatus. We take pride in being the only transformer company our customers need.
Contact Johnson Electric for more details on how we can assist you with your application.