1-minute review of the history and function of inductors

An inductor is a component that can convert electrical energy into magnetic energy and store it. It belongs to a type of magnetic component and is also known as an inductor. Its structure is similar to that of a transformer, but it has only one winding. The inductor has a specific inductance value and its main function is to impede changes in current. When the inductor is in a state with no current passing through, it will try to prevent current from flowing when the circuit is connected; while when there is current passing through the inductor, it will try to maintain the current unchanged when the circuit is disconnected.

1.Depending on the different application environments, inductors have different names:

The inductor used for filtering is called a common-mode inductor, also known as a common-mode choke coil.

2. The inductor used in the voltage boosting circuit is called the voltage boosting inductor.

3. The inductor used for energy storage is called an energy storage inductor.

In addition, there are many other uses and types of inductors.

The main functions of an inductor in a circuit include filtering, oscillation, delay, and notch filtering, etc. It can also be used for signal selection, noise filtering, current stabilization, and suppression of electromagnetic wave interference. The most common application of an inductor is to be combined with a capacitor to form an LC filter circuit. The capacitor has the characteristic of "blocking direct current and allowing alternating current", while the inductor has the function of "allowing direct current and blocking alternating current".

When a direct current with a large amount of interfering signals passes through an LC filter circuit, the alternating interference signals will be converted into heat energy by the inductor and thus dissipated. The direct current passing through the inductor becomes purer, and the alternating interference signals within it are also converted into magnetic and thermal energy. Interference signals with higher frequencies are most easily suppressed by the inductor's impedance, effectively eliminating high-frequency interference signals.

The development history of inductor

1.Early discovery of inductance: In 1831, British scientist Michael Faraday discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. The iron-core coil he used could be regarded as the earliest inductance component. In 1832, American scientist Joseph Henry published a paper on the phenomenon of self-induction, further promoting the research on inductance.

2. Naming of inductance units: In honor of Henry's contribution, the unit for inductance is named "Henry" (Henry), and is abbreviated as "H".

3. Early applications of inductance: In the mid-19th century, inductance began to be put into practical use in communication devices such as telegraphs and telephones, providing crucial support for the development of early communication technologies.

4. Famous Inductors: In 1887, German scientist Heinrich Hertz (H.R. Hertz) used Hertz coils in his experiments to study the propagation of electromagnetic waves. In 1890, American inventor Nikola Tesla (N. Tesla) designed Tesla coils, which were used for generating and transmitting high-frequency currents. These two types of inductors are still widely studied and applied today.