Inductors: Working, Applications, and Why Electronics Engineers Still Need Them!

In the vast world of electronics, inductors are often underrated — overshadowed by their flashy cousins like capacitors and microcontrollers. But without inductors, many high-power and high-frequency systems would simply fall apart. Let’s dive deep into the working of inductors, the classic L × (di/dt) formula, their applications, and why they’re still relevant in modern electronics — even if they aren’t on your Arduino board.

What is an Inductor?

An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in the form of a magnetic field. It's typically a coil of wire — and this coil resists changes in current flowing through it.

At its heart, an inductor works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is governed by Faraday’s Law. This law states that a change in current flowing through the coil induces a voltage (electromotive force) that opposes the change — this property is called self-inductance.

The L × (di/dt) Formula — Understanding Inductive Voltage:

The voltage across an inductor is given by the famous equation:

Where:

  • V is the voltage across the inductor

  • L is the inductance in henries (H)

  • di/dt is the rate of change of current over time

This equation tells us that faster changes in current lead to higher voltage spikes, which is why inductors are used for transient suppression, filters, and energy storage in power electronics.

 Magnetic Field and Magnetomotive Force (MMF)

When current flows through an inductor, it generates a magnetic field. The strength of this magnetic field depends on:

  • The number of turns in the coil

  • The core material (air, ferrite, iron)

  • The current flowing

This magnetomotive force (MMF) is given by:

Where N is the number of turns and I is the current. This magnetic behavior is why inductors are widely used in transformers and motors.

 Why Inductors Matter — Even If They’re Bulky?

You might wonder — “Why don’t we see inductors on beginner-friendly boards like Arduino?” That’s because inductors are bulky, expensive, and not energy-efficient for small-scale, low-power projects. But in high-power and RF applications, they’re essential. Here’s why:

Real-World Applications of Inductors:

  1. Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) – Inductors are vital in DC-DC converters for energy transfer.

  2. EMI Filters – To suppress electromagnetic interference in power lines.

  3. Transformers – Coupling inductors to step up or step down voltage.

  4. RF and Communication Circuits – Tuned circuits, filters, and impedance matching.

  5. Motors and Relays – Magnetic field generation in electromechanical systems.

  6. Wireless Chargers – Inductive coupling for energy transfer.

 Self-Inductance and Mutual Inductance:

  • Self-Inductance is when a coil opposes changes in its own current.

  • Mutual Inductance is when a changing current in one coil induces a voltage in another nearby coil — a principle used in transformers and wireless power transfer.

Inductors vs Capacitors: What's the Real Deal?

While capacitors resist voltage changes, inductors resist current changes. Together, they form the backbone of oscillators, filters, and resonant circuits — especially in analog and RF design.

 Why Not in Arduino Projects?

In small-scale electronics and microcontroller-based projects:

  • Inductors are bulky

  • Their magnetic fields can introduce noise

  • They aren’t required in digital logic-heavy systems

  • They're less efficient for low-voltage applications

But that doesn’t mean they’re outdated — they’re just meant for the big leagues.

 Types of Inductors You Should Know!

  • Air-core inductors– No magnetic core, ideal for high-frequency applications

  • Iron-core inductors ,Variable inductors – High inductance, used in power circuits, and variable inductors can also be used for fine tuning.

  • Ferrite-core inductors, Multilayer Ceramic inductor– Excellent for RF and EMI filtering

  • Toroidal inductors – Donut-shaped, compact and efficient.

 Final Thoughts: Why Inductors Still Matter in Modern Electronics?

From power electronics to RF circuits, inductors are still foundational. As electronics engineers, even if you don’t use them in your early breadboard days, you’ll see them again — in advanced analog design, power grids, VLSI circuits, and semiconductor integration.

 Inductor in Analog Radio


So the next time you see a chunky coil, don’t dismiss it — it's silently shaping the electric world.

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Looking for more practical insights, real-world applications, and easy-to-understand tech?
Explore more at hobitronics.blog — where electronics feels like magic.

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