Contents
What is the current through an inductor?
The current, i that flows through an inductor produces a magnetic flux that is proportional to it. But unlike a Capacitor which oppose a change of voltage across their plates, an inductor opposes the rate of change of current flowing through it due to the build up of self-induced energy within its magnetic field.
Can voltage through an inductor change instantaneously?
No, it cannot. The current in an inductor cannot change instantaneously because it implies an infinite voltage will exist, which isn’t going to happen. This reluctance to change is because of the energy stored in the inductor’s magnetic field.
When does an inductive load produce a voltage spike?
Inductive loads have a common characteristic that if current is flowing through them and the circuit is interrupted, the inductor will produce a high frequency voltage spike. Current through an inductor doesn’t like to be interrupted abruptly, and when a circuit is broken, the result is a very high voltage pulse.
Why are inductive voltage spikes in a circuit reverse biased?
They are placed in the circuit so that they are reverse biased when the load is energized. When current is cut to the load they provide a return path for the current, so that the current flow through the inductor is not blocked.
What’s the best way to minimize inductive voltage spike?
To minimize the inductive voltage spike use fast diodes. The faster the forward recovery time, the smaller the voltage spike, and the shorter its duration. Typically, the fastest diodes you can get are about 20ns.
What does the inductor look like when you simulate it?
The inductor is charged by a nominal 3.6 volt battery. So, what does it look like when you simulate it? Across the top, you can see the voltage that gets applied to the voltage controlled switch.