A wide variety of electronic applications use magnetic component transformers, which act as passive components that utilize internal magnetic fields to alter electrical current phase.
Manufacturers prize magnetic component transformers for their reliability in many applications. Depending on the specific electrical and physical requirements of the applications for which they’re needed, magnetic component transformers come in low-frequency, high-frequency, isolated, and non-isolated options.
Transformers incorporate wire or foil wound onto cores, bobbins, or mandrels, and they appear in both insulated and uninsulated forms. Low-frequency magnetic components often use iron or steel laminations within their cores, called toroidal cores. High-frequency magnetic components typically use ferrite or powdered iron as their core material.
Magnetic component transformers include power transformers, telecom magnetics transformers, current sense transformers, and video transformers. Selecting the right magnetic component for an application is crucial to improving its performance and functionality.
Power Transformers
Power transformers move energy between circuits using inductive coupling. They benefit mains power interfacing and work with mains voltages and fairly high currents.
Power transformers appear in the following applications:
- Medical equipment
- Solid-state power designs
- Printed circuit boards
- Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Automotive
- Lighting
- Dimming applications for lighting
Telecom Magnetics Transformers
Telecom magnetics transformers isolate signals among primary and secondary grounds. They serve as isolation transformers, changing voltage to make them more compatible for applications with lower voltage. Telecom magnetics transformers measure performance by monitoring insertion loss, isolation degree, resistance to direct current, frequency width, functioning temperature, and size.
Telecom magnetics transformers appear in the following applications:
- Digital subscriber loop (DSL)
- Integrated services digital network (ISDN)
- Local area network (LAN)
- Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)
Current Sense Transformers
Current sense transformers measure and monitor current condition in electronic products, ensuring smooth operation. These magnetic components govern electronic design and functionality, allowing users to observe product conditions and maintain energy efficiency by maximizing energy use. Current sense transformers offer easy implementation and reliable performance in harsh thermal and environmental conditions.
Current sense transformers appear in the following applications:
- Electronically controlled power lines
- Switch-mode power supplies
- Circuit protection
- Monitoring
Video Transformers
Video-isolation transformers eliminate interference issues caused by differences in ground potential as well as induced common-mode noise such as hum bars. Video transformers deliver accurate video, eliminating blurred images and noise interference along with dropped channels.
Video-isolation transformers appear in the following applications:
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
- Community access television (CATV)
- Baseband video
- Composite video
- Digital video signal transmissions
A Magnetic Appeal
Magnetic component transformers appear in a wide spectrum of electronic and power applications. Each transformer type serves a different purpose, solving issues and providing benefits specific to their chosen applications. Selecting the right magnetic components for your application will improve your product’s performance and safety.
Image credit: Flegere / Shutterstock.com
