One of the many holes in my electronics understanding is proper strategy for transformer design. It was never discussed in my schooling(I think we talked about how transformers work for 2 days). I wind my own inductors for filters but I have never attempted a transformer.
Lately I have been going back through my textbooks and it is sad how little they are discussed. I have noticed that there are a few members here that seem to be very well versed in transformer design and I would very much like to know more of what they know. So if you are willing, can we use this thread to work through the process of identifying the critical steps.
So to start a couple of basic questions
(1) for a given input frequency is there a sweet spot that you try to hit for your primary coil inductance?
(2) Obviously the gauge of wire used is important for current flow. How do you choose an appropriate gauge. Is it simply a matter of wire rating ohms/m and the length used? Somehow it seems there is more to it.
(3) Saturation how do you plan for a certain primary coil saturation headroom. I think this is determined mostly by the core. But what is the process for choosing a proper core.
Or perhaps I am approaching this all wrong. I would love to see the steps you take to specify and design a new transformer. I am not really looking for the LMGTFY kind of answers here. I would rather converse with someone who does this sort of thing(if they would be so kind).
Thanks in advance
Nick
Lately I have been going back through my textbooks and it is sad how little they are discussed. I have noticed that there are a few members here that seem to be very well versed in transformer design and I would very much like to know more of what they know. So if you are willing, can we use this thread to work through the process of identifying the critical steps.
So to start a couple of basic questions
(1) for a given input frequency is there a sweet spot that you try to hit for your primary coil inductance?
(2) Obviously the gauge of wire used is important for current flow. How do you choose an appropriate gauge. Is it simply a matter of wire rating ohms/m and the length used? Somehow it seems there is more to it.
(3) Saturation how do you plan for a certain primary coil saturation headroom. I think this is determined mostly by the core. But what is the process for choosing a proper core.
Or perhaps I am approaching this all wrong. I would love to see the steps you take to specify and design a new transformer. I am not really looking for the LMGTFY kind of answers here. I would rather converse with someone who does this sort of thing(if they would be so kind).
Thanks in advance
Nick