Inductors, coils, and chokes are passive electronic components that store energy in magnetic fields when electrical current flows through them. Inductors regulate current flow, coils enable electromagnetic energy conversion, and chokes suppress high-frequency noise. These components are critical in power management, signal processing, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) control across modern electronics.
| Type | Functional Characteristics | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Inductors | Stable inductance value, non-adjustable | Power supplies, filters |
| Variable Inductors | Adjustable inductance via movable core | Radio tuners, impedance matching circuits |
| Power Inductors | High current handling, low DC resistance | DC-DC converters, voltage regulators |
| RF Inductors | Low parasitic capacitance, high Q-factor | Wireless communication systems |
| Ferrite Bead Chokes | High impedance at high frequencies | EMI suppression in power lines |
Typical construction includes:
| Parameter | Description and Importance |
|---|---|
| Inductance Value (H) | Defines current regulation capability (range: nH to H) |
| Rated Current (A) | Maximum DC/AC current before saturation |
| DC Resistance (DCR) | Affects power loss and efficiency |
| Quality Factor (Q) | Ratio of inductive reactance to resistance (higher Q = better performance) |
| Self-Resonant Frequency (SRF) | Frequency limit before capacitive behavior occurs |
| Operating Temperature | Thermal stability range (-55 C to +155 C typical) |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| TDK Corporation | CDRH3D28 | 10 H-100 H, 1.5A-8.0A rated current |
| Coilcraft | XGL5050-103 | 10 H, 15A saturation current |
| Vishay Dale | IHLP-2525CZ-01 | 0.47 H-10 H, 1MHz SRF |
| Murata | NXH3225-100T | 10 H, 20% tolerance |
| Eaton | CHS4-150M | 150 H, 1.2A rated current |
Current developments include: