What are the functions of the chip inductor?

Shunluo Inductance Power Inductor SWPA Series First Class Agent

The Role of the Chip Inductor

1. A chip inductor is a magnetic sensing element made by winding insulated wires, and it is one of the most commonly used passive components in electronic circuits.

2. The main function of a chip inductor is to allow DC current to pass through while blocking AC signals. It can also work with capacitors or resistors to form resonant circuits for tuning and frequency selection.

3. When an inductor is connected in parallel with a capacitor, it forms an LC tuning circuit. This configuration helps in adjusting and selecting specific frequencies within the circuit.

4. Any current flowing through the chip inductor generates a magnetic field that affects the surrounding circuit. This magnetic flux can be considered as a load on the circuit, and the higher the magnetic flux saturation, the more stable the inductor's performance tends to be in practical applications.

5. When the current through the chip inductor changes, it generates a back electromotive force (EMF) that opposes the change in current. This EMF acts to prevent sudden current fluctuations, protecting other components from potential damage due to high current spikes.

6. As the current through the power inductor increases, the self-induced EMF generated by the inductor opposes the increase. This helps maintain a steady current flow by releasing stored energy when the current decreases.

7. Part of the electrical energy is converted into a magnetic field and stored within the inductor. After filtering, this results in smoother voltage and current waveforms, reducing ripple and increasing the conduction angle of rectifier diodes.

8. Unlike standard chip inductors, power inductors have multiple functions. They not only serve as filters but also help with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), while providing energy storage capabilities.

9. Shielded chip inductors are designed to reduce current instability in certain circuits, acting as effective noise blockers. The shielding material surrounds the conductor, inducing an opposite charge inside the shield, which helps neutralize external electric fields.

10. If the shield is grounded, any excess charge on the outside will be directed to the earth, eliminating external electric fields and improving the overall stability and performance of the circuit.