Inductor uses

It is also referred to as a choke or a reactor. An inductor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it. An inductor is typically made up of a coil of insulated wire wound around a core.

According to Faraday’s law of induction, an electromotive force (e.m.f.) (voltage) is induced in a conductor when the current flowing through it changes and produces a time-varying magnetic field. As stated by Lenz’s law, the induced voltage has a polarity (direction) that is diametrically opposed to the change in current that produced it. As a result, inductors are designed to resist any changes in current flowing through them.

Inductor Function

The inductor is wrapped in an insulated wire to keep it from short-circuiting. The inductor’s function is dependent on the frequency of the signals; the higher the frequency, the less easy it is for signals to flow through the inductor. Now, let’s try to understand :

1. Pass

It is possible for signals to pass through the coil when their frequencies are zero.

2. Braking

When the frequency of the passing signals increases, the voltage of the passing signals decreases.

3. Signal stopped

When the voltage is reduced to zero, the frequency of signals increases, and as a result, the inductor coil prevents electrical signals from passing through it.

Applications of inductors

In electrical transmissions, inductors are used in a variety of ways depending on their requirements.

Inductors are used in tuning circuits

The tuning circuits are able to select the desired frequency with the assistance of inductors. The capacitor and inductor types are used in a variety of electronic devices, such as radio tuning circuits and televisions, to modify the frequency and aid in the selection of frequencies from among multiple channels of frequency.

Sensors

The inductive proximity sensors are extremely dependable in their operation, and they are a contactless device. The main principle behind it is inductance, which is the phenomenon in which the magnetic field in a coil will oppose the flow of electric current. The proximity sensor mechanism is used in traffic lights to detect the amount of traffic flowing through the intersection.

Store energy in a device

It is only possible for inductors to store energy for a short period of time because the energy that is being stored as a magnetic field will be lost as soon as the power source is disconnected. Inductors can be found in computer circuits where power supplies can be switched, as well as other electronic devices.

Inductors are used in induction motors

Induction motors rotate due to the presence of a magnetic field produced by alternating current, which causes the shaft of the motor to rotate. The speed of the motor can be set in accordance with the frequency of the power supplied by the power source. It is possible to regulate the speed of the motor by incorporating inductors.

Inductors are used as filters in electronic circuits/filters.

When used in conjunction with capacitors, inductors will function as filters. When these filters are used, the frequency of the input signal when it first enters the circuit is constrained. The impedance of the inductor increases in proportion to the increase in the frequency of the supply.

Uses of inductors in chokes

As we are all aware, when alternating current (AC) flows through inductors, it causes a current flow in the opposite direction to occur. As a result, the inductor restricts the flow of alternating current while simultaneously passing direct current. This mechanism is employed in the power source, where the alternating current supply is converted into direct current.

Ferrite beads

Ferrite beads have been seen in a variety of applications, including computer components and mobile phone charging cables. The use of inductors in ferrite beads aids in the reduction of the frequency of the radio interface that the cable generates.

Relays

A relay operates in the same way as an electrical switch. When an inductor coil is used in the switch, a magnetic field is generated wherever the switch comes into contact with the flow of alternating current.

Signal controller

It means that noise is eliminated or that only the desired signals are passed through inductors when they control signals. In order for a coil to function properly, it is necessary to take into account the signal frequency being used. This is due to the fact that when the frequencies are high, the signal will flow more slowly than when the frequencies are low.

Voltage stabilisation

More electric current is produced when the copper wire that has been wrapped around the inductors is not present, and this can cause the entire system to become unstable. This is why inductors are trusted with the task of voltage stabilisation.

Conclusion

Inductors, like resistors and capacitors, are passive elements that store electric energy in the form of a magnetic field. They are used in the same way that resistors and capacitors are used. In its most basic form, an inductor is a wire or coil made of a good electric conducting material that has only a few turns (twists). As a result of the flow of an alternating current through it, they will generate the magnetic flux (field) around themselves. Due to the absence of inductive reactance in an ideal inductor, it behaves as a short circuit. In practice, every inductor contains a small amount of internal resistance, which we refer to as ‘Inductive reactance.’