Inductive-filters

Introduction

Amplifiers

Circuits

Computers

Conductors

Control Devices

Fiber Optics

Motors 'n' Generators

Propagation

Solid State

Test Equipment

Tubes 'n' Power Supplies

Wave Generation

Tips 'n' Techniques

Subscribe To This Site

Inductive-filters

Now let's look at inductors and their application in filter circuits. Remember, AN INDUCTOR OPPOSES ANY CHANGE IN CURRENT. In case you have forgotten, a change in current through an inductor produces a changing electromagnetic field. The changing field, in turn, cuts the windings of the wire in the inductor and thereby produces a counterelectromotive force (cemf). It is the cemf that opposes the change in circuit current. Opposition to a change in current at a given frequency is called inductive reactance (XL) and is measured in ohms. The inductive reactance (XL) of an inductor is determined by the applied frequency and the inductance of the inductor. Mathematically,

XL = 2 pi fL

From the preceding formula, you know that if either frequency or inductance is increased, the XL will increase. Since inductors are placed in series with the load (illustrated below), the larger the XL, the larger the ac voltage developed across the inductor and the smaller the ac voltage developed across the load.

Voltage drops in an inductive filter.

Now back to our circuit. As illustrated in the next illustration below, when the current starts to flow through the coil, an expanding magnetic field builds up around the inductor. This magnetic field around the coil develops the cemf that opposes the change in current.

Inductive filter (expanding field)

Inductive filter (expanding field).

When the rectifier current decreases as shown in the following illustration, the magnetic field collapses and again cuts the turns (windings) of wire, thus inducing current into the coil. This additional current adds to the rectifier current and attempts to keep it at its original level.

Inductive filter (collapsing field).

Now that you have learned how the components in the filter circuits react to current flow from the rectifier, the tutorials to follow will explain the operation of various filters in use today.

(back) (top) (next) (return to power supplies page)

SBI!

Become a loyal member to our site. It's Free!

Site Search

Custom Search

Ask an Expert

Have a question about something not covered in the content of this site and want an expert answer? Just type your question in the box and submit.

Translate your page

If English is not your first language you can Translate the text on this page to any one of the languages found in the drop down menu. Select your language from the list for an instant translation.