Shinenergy Custom Inductors

The symbol for an inductor in circuit diagrams is typically a coiled line or series of loops, representing the coiled wire that constitutes an inductor. This symbol visually suggests the coil’s magnetic field properties, which are central to its function.

An inductor is an electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. It resists changes in current, making it essential for controlling and stabilizing electrical circuits in devices like transformers, filters, and power supplies.

The inductance (L) of an inductor is calculated with the formula L=N2⋅μ⋅A/l, where N is the number of turns,μ is the core material’s permeability, AAA is the coil’s cross-sectional area, and l is the coil length. This formula determines inductance in Henrys (H).

An inductor diagram typically illustrates a coiled wire, sometimes alongside relevant values like inductance, core material, and physical dimensions. In circuit diagrams, it appears as a zigzag line or loop series, symbolizing its coiled structure and magnetic field behavior.

The main function of an inductor is to resist changes in current by creating a magnetic field. This makes inductors ideal for applications requiring current smoothing, filtering, and energy storage, such as in power supplies, tuned circuits, and electromagnetic interference filters.

Inductors vary by design and application, with types including air-core, iron-core, and ferrite-core inductors. Others include choke inductors for filtering, toroidal inductors for space-saving designs, and variable inductors for adjustable inductance. Each type serves specific circuit requirements based on its magnetic properties.