Magnetic Component Theory Is Simpler If You Grasp Reference Frames

Focus:

Engineers sometimes avoid the study or application of magnetics theory because it seems too abstract compared to other aspects of electronics. Magnetics theory as it applies to transformers and inductors is simpler to understand by categorizing the quantities involved as being related either to the circuit at the winding terminals or to the magnetic field inside the core. These categories are “frames of reference.” This article explains the concepts of electrical or circuit and magnetic or field reference frames as they apply to inductors, transformers, and coupled inductors. The key parameters in the circuit and field frames of reference are identified and the relationships between them are described. Terms explained here include referred (reflected); field current, voltage and inductance; flux linkage and field flux; field impedance; and interwinding inductance. Magnetic ohm’s law is introduced and turns ratio is explained in terms of circuit and field referrals.

What you’ll learn:

• How to understand the circuit and field frames of reference in inductor and transformer design

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Author & Publication:

Dennis Feucht, Innovatia Laboratories, Cayo, Belize, How2Power Today, Jun 15 2017

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