Transformers

13February 2004

Transformers

Objectives

Explain mutual inductance

Describe how a transformer is constructed and how it works
Explain how a step-up transformer works
Explain how a step-down transformer works
Discuss the effect of a resistive load across the secondary
winding
Discuss the concept of a reflected load in a transformer
Discuss impedance matching with transformers
Explain how the transformer acts as an isolation device
Describe a practical transformer

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

Transformers

13February 2004

Coefficient of Coupling
The coefficient of coupling (k) between two coils is the ratio
of the lines of force (flux) produced by one coil linking the
second coil (1-2) to the total flux produced by the first coil
(1)
The coefficient of coupling depends on the physical closeness
of the coils and the type of core material on which they are
wound
Construction and core shape are also factors influencing
coefficient of coupling

13 February 2004

Transformers

Mutual Inductance
When two coils are placed close to each other, a changing
electromagnetic field produced by the current in one coil will
cause an induced voltage in the second coil because of the
mutual inductance
Mutual inductance is established by the inductance of each coil
and by the amount of coupling between the two coils.
To maximize coupling, the two coils are wound on a common
core

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

Transformers

13February 2004

Examples of Transformers with Different Cores

13 February 2004

Transformers

Transformer Packages

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

Transformers

13February 2004

The Basic Transformer

Source voltage is applied to the
primary winding
The load is connected to the
secondary winding
The core provides a physical
structure for placement of
windings and a magnetic path so
that the magnetic flux lines are
concentrated close to the coils

13 February 2004

Transformers

Types of Transformer Cores

Typical core materials are: air, ferrite, and iron

Air and ferrite cores are used at high frequencies
Iron cores are used for AF and power applications

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

Transformers

13February 2004

Operation of a Transformer

13 February 2004

Transformers

Direction of Windings
The direction of the windings determines the polarity of the
voltage across the secondary winding with respect to the
voltage across the primary
Phase dots are used to indicate polarities

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

10

Transformers

13February 2004

Turns Ratio
Turns ratio (n) is defined as the ratio of the number of turns in
the secondary winding (NSEC) to the number of turns in the
primary winding (NPRI)

n=

13 February 2004

NSEC
NPRI

Transformers

11

Step-up Transformers
A transformer in which the secondary voltage is greater than
the primary voltage is called a step-up transformer
The ratio of secondary voltage (VSEC) to primary voltage (VPRI)
is equal to the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary
winding (NSEC) to the number of turns in the primary winding
(NPRI)
VSEC
NSEC
=
VPRI
NPRI
NSEC
VSEC = VPRI

NPRI

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

12

Transformers

13February 2004

Step-Down Transformer
A transformer in which the secondary voltage is less
than the primary voltage is called a step-down
transformer
The amount by which the voltage is stepped down
depends on the turns ratio
The turns ratio of a step-down transformer is always
less than 1

13 February 2004

Transformers

13

Transformers

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

14

Transformers

13February 2004

Loading the Secondary Winding

When a load resistor is connected to the secondary
winding, there is a current through the resulting
secondary circuit because of the voltage induced in
the secondary coil
This secondary current causes a current in the
primary
ISEC
NPRI
=
IPRI
NSEC
NPRI
ISEC = IPRI

NSEC

13 February 2004

Transformers

15

Impedance Matching
When a source is connected to a load, maximum power is
delivered to the load when the load impedance is equal to the
fixed internal source impedance
One application of transformers is in the matching of a load
resistance to a source resistance in order to achieve maximum
transfer of power
This is termed impedance matching
Transformers designed specifically for impedance matching
usually show the input and output impedance they are
designed to match

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

16

Transformers

13February 2004

Matching Transformer
The reflected-resistance characteristics provided by a
transformer are used to make the load resistance appear to
have the same value as the source resistance

13 February 2004

Transformers

17

DC Isolation
A transformer does not pass dc, therefore a transformer can be
used to keep the dc voltage on the output of an amplifier stage
from affecting the bias of the next amplifier
The ac signal is coupled through the transformer between
amplifier stages

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

18

Transformers

13February 2004

Power Line Isolation

Transformers are often used to electrically isolate electronic equipment
from the ac power line

13 February 2004

Transformers

19

Utility Distribution

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

20

10

Transformers

13February 2004

Multiple-Winding Transformers
Multiple-winding transformers have more than one winding on
a common core. They are used to operate on, or provide,
different operating voltages

13 February 2004

Transformers

21

Multiple Winding Transformers

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

22

11

Transformers

13February 2004

Multiple Winding Transformers

13 February 2004

Transformers

23

Auto Transformers
In an autotransformer, one winding serves as both the primary
and the secondary. The winding is tapped at the proper points
to achieve the desired turns ratio for stepping up or down the
voltage

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

24

12

Transformers

13February 2004

Transformer Losses

13 February 2004

Professor Andrew H. Andersen

Transformers

25

13