Common Mode Chokes

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I have a bunch of common mode chokes, but I need a bunch of
differential mode inductors. Sure, you can just reverse the direction
on one side, but then you might saturate...so, with molded ferrite core
common mode chokes, what kind of % of the rated current can be run in
differential mode before saturation, generally?

 

[Larry Brasfield]

I have a bunch of common mode chokes, but I need a bunch of
differential mode inductors. Sure, you can just reverse the direction
on one side, but then you might saturate...

Of course, you might saturate any inductor.

so, with molded ferrite core
common mode chokes, what kind of % of the rated current can be run in
differential mode before saturation, generally?

Generally, the current rating for a common mode
choke is set by the wire, not the magnetics. So
there is no general relationship between the two
quantities other than they tend to corellate, as
you have surmised.

I would suggest a few minutes with a variable
current limit power supply and either an AC
impedance measuring device or a signal
generator and an o'scope. Run DC current
thru one branch of your choke and measure
the impedance drop versus DC current.