Calculate energy storage, inductance, current, or timing for power inductors.
Optional: for calculating di/dt and rise time
Inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them. Unlike capacitors that store energy in an electric field, inductors resist changes in current. This property makes them essential for power conversion and filtering.
E = ½LI²
Energy is proportional to inductance and the square of current. Doubling current quadruples stored energy.
V = L × di/dt
Voltage across an inductor equals inductance times rate of current change. Fast changes create high voltages.
Step-down DC-DC converters use inductors to smooth output current and store energy during switch-off periods.
Step-up converters store energy in the inductor during on-time and release it at higher voltage during off-time.
Energy stored in the primary winding transfers to secondary during flyback, enabling isolation and voltage scaling.
Motor windings are inductors. Understanding energy storage helps size drive electronics and protection circuits.
Inductors accumulate energy from low-power sources before transferring it efficiently to storage capacitors.
Relays, solenoids, and other inductive loads release stored energy when switched off—size your flyback diodes accordingly.
Inductors saturate when core material reaches magnetic limits. Inductance drops sharply above saturation current—always check datasheets for Isat rating.
Wire resistance causes I²R power loss and heating. Lower DCR improves efficiency but typically increases size and cost.
AC currents cause hysteresis and eddy current losses in the core. Higher frequencies increase these losses significantly.
When switching off inductive loads, stored energy must go somewhere. RC snubbers or flyback diodes protect switching devices.