Inductor and Transformer Design Equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design equations for inductors and transformers, including considerations of unit systems, the creation of crib sheets, and challenges in core design. Participants share their insights, questions, and suggestions related to the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in compiling design equations and crib sheets for inductors and transformers, questioning the need for Gaussian units.
  • There is a discussion about the meaning of "Fingers" in the context of counting turns, with some participants unsure about its relevance.
  • Suggestions are made to include diagrams and impedance transformation characteristics in the crib sheets.
  • Participants discuss the conversion of document formats to PDF for sharing purposes, with one providing a method for conversion.
  • Concerns are raised about the complexity of solving for different core types, particularly gapped cores, and whether the H field remains constant around the magnetic circuit.
  • One participant references Maxwell's Equations in relation to the discussion, indicating a need for further contemplation on its application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of creating crib sheets and sharing resources, but there are multiple competing views regarding the use of unit systems and the interpretation of certain terms. The discussion remains unresolved on the specifics of core design challenges and the implications of different unit systems.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential variations in equations when switching between SI and Gaussian units, indicating a need for clarity on definitions and assumptions. There are also unresolved questions regarding the behavior of the H field in magnetic circuits.

Who May Find This Useful

Engineers and students interested in electrical engineering, particularly in the design and analysis of inductors and transformers, may find this discussion beneficial.

Phrak
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I thought it would be a good idea to write this down, all in one place, finally.
Any errors, or impovements needed? Should it be in gaussian units?
 

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Phrak said:
I thought it would be a good idea to write this down, all in one place, finally.
Any errors, or impovements needed? Should it be in gaussian units?

A .pdf would be better to thwart off any virus suspicions!

CS
 
Phrak said:
I thought it would be a good idea to write this down, all in one place, finally.
Any errors, or impovements needed? Should it be in gaussian units?

What does this mean?

N – number of turns, Fingers

What's a Fingers? I don't think I've ever see units on the number of turns.

Overall looks good, very similar to my transformer/inductor crib sheet. It could use some diagrams showing flux and such, and should include the impedance transformation characteristic (goes by turns squared) of a transformer.

Do you do crib sheets for other subjects/topics as well? My crib sheet binder gets a lot of use.
 
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I would be very interested in seeing other engineer's crib sheets. My notebook is pretty bare (non-existent).
 
Corneo said:
I would be very interested in seeing other engineer's crib sheets. My notebook is pretty bare (non-existent).

Interesting idea! Maybe scan our crib sheets and share them to generate ideas. I like that.

Let me work on that some... Cool idea. Maybe a Crib Sheets sub-forum here at the PF...
 
stewartcs said:
A .pdf would be better to thwart off any virus suspicions!
CS

I was curious about that. How do you convert .doc to .pdf?
 
berkeman said:
What does this mean?

Do you mean the Gaussian units? There are changes in some equations by a a couple factors.

I haven't done this in a while, maybe it was

v=N \frac{d\Phi}{dI}
that becomes
v=N \frac{d\Phi}{dI} \cdot 10^{-8}
in going from SI (kilogram-meter-seconds) to Gaussian units (essencially cgs. centimeter-gram-seconds)

I should check with some core manufactures to see what the preferred units are.

What's a Fingers? I don't think I've ever see units on the number of turns.

Overall looks good, very similar to my transformer/inductor crib sheet. It could use some diagrams showing flux and such, and should include the impedance transformation characteristic (goes by turns squared) of a transformer.

Do you do crib sheets for other subjects/topics as well? My crib sheet binder gets a lot of use.

I have notes buried within job folders, and never really concatenated them.
You know. One finger, two fingers, three fingers... That's how you count turns, right?
:smile:

I think PF crib notes would be a very good idea. Would it be better to associate with each forum folder, or all in one place--under mirrored subfolders, maybe?

Oh, by the way, the Turns squared increase in inductance is in there--the last equation. So I'll label it as such.
 
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Phrak said:
I was curious about that. How do you convert .doc to .pdf?

You can download a free conversion utility from PrimoPDF.com

It installs like a printer driver, so it shows up when you do "Print" from a software package (like Word or Excel) -- you choose to print to PrimoPDF instead of a printer, and it "prints" to a PDF file.
 
Thanks, berkeman. I got it loaded.


Bobbin cores and rod cores are difficult to solve, but a gapped core is not too difficult if you can guestimate the magnetic field fringent around the gap. But is the H field the same around the magnetic circuit given constant area. I'd been assuming it is in previous designs, with the results as expected, but is it true?
 
  • #10
Phrak said:
Thanks, berkeman. I got it loaded.


Bobbin cores and rod cores are difficult to solve, but a gapped core is not too difficult if you can guestimate the magnetic field fringent around the gap. But is the H field the same around the magnetic circuit given constant area. I'd been assuming it is in previous designs, with the results as expected, but is it true?

I believe so as well, as long as the area is constant.
 
  • #11
I got this out of Wikipedia (Maxwell's Equations),

\oint_{\partial S}B \cdot dl = \mu_0 I_S

in the absense of electric fields, where

B=H\mu

I'll have to mull it over a little just to be sure it fits...
 
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