Inductor definition – types of inductors

Welcome to SupremeTutorials.in, your trusted source for in-depth tutorials on essential electronics concepts. In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of inductors,types of inductors,definition of inductor, inductor definition exploring the definition of an inductor and the various types of inductors used in electrical and electronic circuits. An inductor, also known as a coil, choke, or reactor, is a passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. Inductors play a crucial role in filtering signals, energy storage, and controlling current in various applications ranging from power supplies to radio frequency circuits. Understanding the inductor definition and its operational principles is fundamental for anyone pursuing electronics. This guide will provide a clear explanation of how inductors work, their core function, and the different types available, including air-core, iron-core, and ferrite-core inductors. By the end of this article, you’ll gain a solid understanding of inductors’ structure, functionality, and diverse applications, giving you valuable insights for both practical use and academic study. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced learner, this article will serve as a comprehensive reference for all things related to inductors.


Inductors: Definition and Function

Inductors: Definition and Function

inductorbasic2Ctypes2Cformula2Csymbol2Cfunction2585519317806396759 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Inductors: Definition and Function



An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. It resists changes in current by generating an opposing voltage (emf), a phenomenon described by Lenz’s Law. Inductors are commonly used in circuits to filter signals, store energy, and in applications such as transformers, motors, and radio-frequency devices.

Basic Structure of an Inductor

inductor8773728145241977543 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Basic Structure of an Inductor



An inductor typically consists of a coil of wire. The more loops or turns in the coil, the greater the inductance. The inductance also depends on:

1. Core material: Air core, ferrite core, or iron core.


2. Number of turns: More turns increase the inductance.


3. Cross-sectional area of the coil: A larger area increases the inductance.


4. Length of the coil: A longer coil reduces the inductance.

Inductance (L)

coilinductor8320990043208591459 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Inductance



Inductance is the property of an inductor that quantifies its ability to store energy in its magnetic field. It is measured in Henrys (H). The inductance  depends on the geometric and material properties of the inductor.

For a solenoid (a common type of inductor):

L = \mu0 \mur \frac{N^2 A}{l}

is the permeability of free space ().

is the relative permeability of the core material.

is the number of turns in the coil.

is the cross-sectional area of the coil.

is the length of the coil.

Energy Stored in an Inductor






When a current flows through an inductor, energy is stored in the magnetic field created around the coil. The energy stored  in an inductor is given by:

U = ½ LI2



Where “L” is the inductance.

is the current flowing through the inductor.


Inductor in a Circuit

1. Inductor in DC Circuits

In a direct current (DC) circuit, once the current stabilizes (i.e., becomes constant), the inductor behaves like a short circuit, as no emf is induced. However, when there is a sudden change in current, the inductor opposes the change by generating a voltage that resists the current change.

At the moment of switching on: The inductor opposes the sudden rise in current and behaves like an open circuit.

At steady state: The inductor allows DC current to flow with zero resistance (assuming an ideal inductor).

2. Inductor in AC Circuits





In alternating current (AC) circuits, inductors continuously oppose changes in current due to the varying nature of AC. The opposition to current is called reactance. The inductive reactance  in an AC circuit is given by:

XL = 2π f

f is the frequency of the AC signal.

L is the inductance of the inductor.


The voltage across the inductor leads the current by 90 degrees in an AC circuit.

Types of Inductors



1. Air-core Inductors:





No magnetic core is used (only air inside the coil).

Suitable for high-frequency applications as there is no core loss.

2. Iron-core Inductors:







An iron core is placed inside the coil to increase inductance.

Used in low-frequency applications like power transformers.


3. Ferrite-core Inductors:




Ferrite cores are used to provide high inductance with low losses at high frequencies.

Commonly used in high-frequency applications like RF circuits.

Applications of Inductors






1. Filters: Inductors are used in low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters to allow or block specific frequency ranges in electronic signals.


2. Transformers: Inductors in the form of coils are essential in transformers, where energy is transferred from one circuit to another via electromagnetic induction.


3. Energy Storage: Inductors store energy in their magnetic field, which is used in power supplies and converters.


4. Tuning Circuits: Inductors are used with capacitors in LC circuits to select desired frequencies in radio receivers and transmitters.


5. Chokes: Inductors are used to block high-frequency AC signals in power supply circuits while allowing DC or low-frequency signals to pass.

Series and Parallel Combinations of Inductors



1. Series Combination:





The total inductance  in a series configuration is the sum of individual inductances:

Self-Inductance and Mutual Inductance



Self-Inductance: This is the property of an inductor to induce an emf in itself when the current flowing through it changes. The self-induced emf  is given by:

{E} = -L {dI}÷{dt}

selfinductance2375497310364894530 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Self inductance



Mutual Inductance: When two inductors are placed close to each other, a change in current in one inductor can induce an emf in the other. The mutual inductance  is the measure of this effect, and the induced emf  in the second inductor is given by:

mutualinductance2199843734739257917 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Mutual Inductance
mutualinductance8962182771726555444 Inductor definition - types of inductors
Mutual Inductance




{E2} = -M {dI1}÷{dt}

Quality Factor (Q) of an Inductor



Quality Factor (Q) of an Inductor

The quality factor  of an inductor is a dimensionless parameter that indicates the efficiency of the inductor in terms of energy losses. It is given by:

Q = {omega {ω L}÷{R}

Where ω omega is the angular frequency.

L is the inductance.

R is the resistance of the inductor.


Higher  indicates a lower energy loss and a more efficient inductor.




Inductors play a critical role in both power and signal processing applications, thanks to their ability to oppose sudden changes in current, store energy, and work in tuning and filtering applications. Let me know if you need more details on any specific aspect of inductors!

34 thoughts on “Inductor definition – types of inductors”

  1. Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys to my own blogroll.

  2. I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thank you, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your website?

  3. Good V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  4. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  5. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is something that is wanted on the web, someone with just a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the web!

  6. I will immediately grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  7. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Many thanks

  8. Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and in my view suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  9. Great tremendous issues here. I am very glad to see your article. Thank you a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?

  10. Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!

  11. I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be using? I’m having some small security issues with my latest site and I would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

  12. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist different users like its helped me. Great job.

  13. My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on a number of websites for about a year and am anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  14. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any manner you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  15. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness on your submit is just spectacular and that i could assume you’re an expert in this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to stay updated with impending post. Thanks one million and please continue the gratifying work.

  16. It is really a nice and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  17. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  18. It?¦s in reality a nice and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  19. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  20. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid other users like its helped me. Great job.

  21. I haven’t checked in here for a while because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  22. Hello, you used to write fantastic, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little bit out of track! come on!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top