Inductors, coils, and chokes are essential components in electronic circuits. They are passive components that store energy in a magnetic field when an electric current flows through them. Inductors, coils, and chokes are used in a wide range of applications, including power supplies, filters, oscillators, and amplifiers. In this article, we will discuss the key product categories of inductors, coils, and chokes.

1. Fixed Inductors

Fixed inductors are the most common type of inductor. They are available in a wide range of values and sizes, and they are used in a variety of applications. Fixed inductors are typically made of a coil of wire wound around a core made of a magnetic material such as iron, ferrite, or powdered iron. The core material determines the inductance value and the frequency response of the inductor.

Fixed inductors are available in through-hole and surface mount packages. Through-hole inductors have leads that are inserted into holes on a printed circuit board (PCB), while surface mount inductors are soldered directly onto the PCB. Surface mount inductors are smaller and more compact than through-hole inductors, making them ideal for applications where space is limited.

2. Variable Inductors

Variable inductors are used in applications where the inductance value needs to be adjusted. They are typically made of a coil of wire wound around a movable core made of a magnetic material. By moving the core in and out of the coil, the inductance value can be adjusted.

Variable inductors are used in a variety of applications, including tunable filters, oscillators, and radio frequency (RF) circuits. They are available in through-hole and surface mount packages.

3. Toroidal Inductors

Toroidal inductors are a type of fixed inductor that is wound around a toroidal core. The toroidal core is made of a magnetic material such as iron, ferrite, or powdered iron. Toroidal inductors are more compact than other types of inductors, making them ideal for applications where space is limited.

Toroidal inductors are used in a variety of applications, including power supplies, filters, and RF circuits. They are available in through-hole and surface mount packages.

4. Air Core Inductors

Air core inductors are a type of inductor that does not use a magnetic core. Instead, they use a coil of wire wound around a non-magnetic material such as plastic or ceramic. Air core inductors have a low inductance value and are used in applications where high-frequency response is required.

Air core inductors are used in a variety of applications, including RF circuits, filters, and oscillators. They are available in through-hole and surface mount packages.

5. Coupled Inductors

Coupled inductors are a type of inductor that consists of two or more coils wound around a common magnetic core. The coils are coupled together through the magnetic field of the core. Coupled inductors are used in applications where a signal needs to be transferred from one circuit to another.

Coupled inductors are used in a variety of applications, including transformers, filters, and power supplies. They are available in through-hole and surface mount packages.

6. Chokes

Chokes are a type of inductor that is used to block high-frequency signals while allowing low-frequency signals to pass through. Chokes are typically made of a coil of wire wound around a magnetic core. The core material determines the frequency response of the choke.

Chokes are used in a variety of applications, including power supplies, filters, and RF circuits. They are available in through-hole and surface mount packages.

Conclusion

Inductors, coils, and chokes are essential components in electronic circuits. They are used in a wide range of applications, including power supplies, filters, oscillators, and amplifiers. The key product categories of inductors, coils, and chokes include fixed inductors, variable inductors, toroidal inductors, air core inductors, coupled inductors, and chokes. Each type of inductor has its own unique characteristics and is used in specific applications. By understanding the different types of inductors, coils, and chokes, engineers can select the right component for their application and design circuits that are efficient and reliable.