Electronic components can be either classified as passive or active. Passive components are those that do produce energy or that do not have the capacity for power gain.
Toroidal transformers fall into the category of passive electronic components. They can be of various sizes and materials, but they all have a toroidal or ring shape, sometimes referred to a donut shape, as well as a magnetic core. The magnetic core can be made of any ferromagnetic materials, but it is most commonly iron powder, iron or ferrite.
Cores for these transformers will be selected based on the specific use of the component. They can be made from nickel-iron and amorphous alloys or silicon iron.
Around this core, there is a pattern of windings. These can be very dense and compact around the core, or they can be more sparse with significant space between each winding.
The Purpose
Toroidal transformers are used to transform or move energy from one component or circuit in a system to another. The key is that the use of this transformer means that the energy doesn’t change in frequency.
The unique shape of toroidal transformers allows for a very compact and small transformer to be used even in very demanding types of applications. The shape also is highly effective in reducing any leakage flux, which is the escape of magnetic energy outside of the core.
With less leakage of this energy, EMI or electromagnetic interference in the circuit or across the system is much easier to prevent. These types of transformers and widely used in a variety of applications from power supplies to amplifiers as well as in many other electronics.
They are also ideal for applications in the aerospace industry, power systems, industrial applications and in any system where a combination of small size and low rates of EMI are essential for the operation of the system.
