Contents
What are the parameters of a power inductor?
Power inductor parameters generally are focused on the device’s current parameters: incremental current and maximum current. Incremental current describes the current at which inductance is decreased�normally by 5%�due to saturation. Saturation can be altered with different core materials and shapes.
Why is it important to choose the right inductor?
Choice is all about options. In the case of inductors, knowing the options enables an engineer to choose a component that not only satisfies a circuit electronically, but also improves its overall performance. The two most common applications for inductors are in the fields of RF and power electronics.
What is the Q factor of an inductor?
The Q factor describes a ratio of an inductor’s reactance to effective resistance. This value is frequency dependent, and therefore the test frequency is often specified. Specifically, Q affects the sharpness of a resonant filter and the center frequency of an LC circuit. Because a high value of Q is preferred, datasheets specify a minimum Q value.
Which is the most common application for inductors?
The two most common applications for inductors are in the fields of RF and power electronics. Most inductor manufacturers recognize this division and have tailored their datasheets to provide an engineer with the electrical parameters required to design their part into an RF or power circuit.
How to select an inductor for a buck converter?
When selecting an inductor for a buck converter the following parameters need to be defined: So, for example, with f = 500 kHz, Vo = 5 volts, Iout max = 4 amps, Iout min = 0.5 amps, Vin max = 13.5 volts (car battery) and Vin min = 8.5 volts. You can select what the inductor ripple current is – it sets output ripple voltage across the ESR of C1.
What should the tolerance of an inductor be?
For example, a 1.0-mH device with a 10% tolerance may have an actual value ranging from 1.1 to 0.9 mH. If you are designing an RF device, this change in inductance can cause an unwanted shift in frequency selection.
How are inductors chosen for a computer design?
There is a natural tradeoff between performance, size, and cost that must be considered when selecting an inductor for a design. As a result, manufacturers produce many series of similar inductors, allowing engineers to select a component well suited for their designs. Choice is all about options.