What is an Inductor?
An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. It is usually made from a coil of conducting wire, which is wrapped around a core made of a magnetic material such as iron or ferrite. The inductor is measured in henries (H), which is the unit of inductance. The value of the inductor is determined by the number of turns in the coil and the size of the core.
How Does an Inductor Work in a Circuit?
When an electric current flows through an inductor, a magnetic field is created around the coil. This magnetic field stores energy in the inductor. When the current is turned off, the magnetic field collapses and the stored energy is released back into the circuit. This property of inductors creates a resistance to changes in the current flow. This is why inductors are often used in filters to smooth out changes in voltage or current.
Examples of Inductors in Use
Inductors can be found in a wide range of electronic devices, from power supplies and amplifiers to radios and televisions. They are used in filters to smooth out changes in voltage or current, which can cause distortion or noise. Inductors are also used in transformers to increase or decrease the voltage of an AC current. They can be found in motors and generators as well, where they help to control the flow of current and store energy.
Applications of Inductors in Various Circuits
Inductors are used in a variety of different circuits, depending on their application. In low-pass filters, the inductor is used to block high-frequency signals while allowing low-frequency signals to pass through. In high-pass filters, the inductor is used to block low-frequency signals while allowing high-frequency signals to pass through. Inductors can also be used in LC circuits, which are used in radio frequency (RF) circuits and oscillators. In power supplies, inductors are used to filter out noise and to regulate the output voltage. Inductors are also used in switching power supplies, which convert DC voltage to AC or vice versa.
