Inductors: 5 Parameters to Consider While Buying Inductor

No matter if you are looking for a high-current inductor or a low current inductor, having a guide of what parameters you should consider while making a purchasing can be very helpful. But, before taking a look at these parameters, it is best to discuss a bit about inductors for those who are new to this device. 

What are Inductors?

In simple words, inductors are components with two terminals, used for filtering, timing, and power electronics applications. As long as current flows in the device, they store energy in the form of the magnetic field. Their tendency is to oppose the change in current by inducing electromotive force, i.e., e.m.f., as per Lenz’s law. It can be used as an open circuit for AC signals and a short circuit for DC signals. The inductance value is represented with the SI unit - Henry (H). 

Factors that Affect Inductance

There are four factors that affect the value/amount of inductance in inductors, including:

• Number of turns in the coil
• Area of coil
• Length of coil
• Core Material

When inductors are made with magnetic core of ferromagnetic material, it produces higher inductance. However, they also have losses, such as hysteresis and eddy currents. 

Parameters to Consider While Buying an Inductor


Q-Factor (Quality Factor) 

It refers to the ratio of the reactance of inductor to effective resistance. It is based on frequency. It impacts the sharpness of the LC circuit’s center frequency. Generally, the high value of the Q-factor is preferred. 

Saturation Current 

It refers to the DC current that lowers the inductance by a certain value. The drop occurs because the core can store only a fixed amount of magnetic flux density. The saturation current is based on the magnetic properties of the inductor and rated current is associated with physical properties. Primarily, it describes the maximum DC current that can be transmitted to the inductor. 

Self Resonant Frequency (SRF)

It is the frequency at which an inductor doesn’t work as an inductor. The self-resonant frequency should exceed the operating frequency of RF circuits so you need to remember it while choosing SRF. Since the inductance is zero at SRF, the Q-factor is also nil. 

DC Resistance (DCR)

It is the inherent resistance of the metal conductor of an inductor and can be modeled as a resistor in series with an inductor. When it comes to DC-DC converters, DCR is an important parameter as it leads to I2R losses and thereby, reducing efficiency. 

Tolerance

It is the variation in the value of the inductance of an actual inductor as compared to specified value in data sheet. Sometimes, this may affect the frequency selection of an RF filter. 

Keep all these parameters in mind while buying a high current inductor as well as a low current inductor to ensure the inductor suits your project and application.

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