If so, use this to your advantage by applying duality to think of what to expect when dealing with inductors.Īlthough it is very possible to make a dedicated subcircuit for a specific transformer, the preferred method of making a generic transformer when drafting a simulation schematic is to simply place a separate inductor for each separate transformer winding and then couple them all together magnetically via a single Mutual Inductance (K) statement placed as a SPICE Directive on the schematic. In fact, if you are like most engineers, you are much more comfortable with the behavior of capacitors.
#THE SYMBOL FOR A FERRITE CORE INDUCTOR IS POWERPOINT HOW TO#
Mike Engelhardt, the author of LTspice, explains how to make transformers in LTspice in a 2006 LT-Magazine article.Īlways keep in mind that starting a simulation with a dc voltage bias on an inductor or transformer winding will cause an initial inductor current only limited by the inductor's series resistance (this would be like trying to initialize an ideal capacitor with a current source - no matter how small the source, the dc voltage will increase without bounds - or at least until the capacitor breaks down). Be sure to minimize simulation problems by including reasonably realistic parasitic resistances (both series and parallel) directly into each inductor, whether used individually or as part of a transformer.Ī good learning and reference resource is the Transformer and Inductor Design Handbook Chapter 17, Winding Capacitance and Leakage Inductance 4th Edition by Colonel William. However, caution is advised when first experimenting with unfamiliar concepts in inductors and transformers. LTspice will faithfully model both ideal and real magnetic devices.