Inductors are two-terminal electrical components designed to
oppose currents passing through them by inducting an electromotive force. They
are primarily used for signal processing and analog circuits in power
electronic applications. In SMPS devices, they are used as energy storage
components. They store energy in the form of magnetic fields as long as current
flows through them.
Inductors are estimated as open circuits for AC signals and
as short circuits for DC signals. However, not all inductors are created equal.
There are a variety of inductors available in the market that differ in terms
of performance, size and cost. Also, it is the number of turns in the coil, the
coil length, the coil area and core material that affect the amount of
inductance of an inductor. All these factors and more must be considered while
selecting an inductor for your application. Choosing the right type of inductor
is highly important. Here are a few factors explained to help you choose an
appropriate inductor.
