Inductors in series and parallel

Section 1: Understanding Inductors

Inductors are passive electronic components that store energy in the form of a magnetic field.
They are usually made from a coil of conducting material, like copper wire.
The primary characteristic of an inductor is its inductance, which is the ratio of the voltage to the rate of change of current.

Section 2: Inductors in Series

When inductors are connected in a series, the total inductance is the sum of the individual inductances.
This is due to the magnetic field from each inductor adding together to form a larger field.
The formula to calculate total inductance (L) in series is: Ltotal = L1 + L2 + L3 + …

Section 3: Inductors in Parallel

When inductors are connected in parallel, the total inductance is less than the smallest inductance value.
In this arrangement, the magnetic fields from each inductor partially cancel each other out, reducing the total inductance.
The formula to calculate total inductance (L) in parallel is slightly more complex. If there are only two inductors, you can use the formula Ltotal = (L1 * L2) / (L1 + L2). For more than two inductors in parallel, the formula is 1/Ltotal = 1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3 + …

Section 4: Real World Applications

A common use for combining inductors in series or parallel is in filter circuits where specific frequencies need to be passed or blocked.
Additionally, transformers are made of two inductors, one closely wound around the other, which changes the voltage level of alternating current.
Understanding the properties of inductors both in isolation and when combined in series and parallel is critical in grasping circuit theory.