Inductors, Chokes & Coils

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"Inductors," "chokes," and "coils" are terms often used interchangeably, but they do have nuanced differences based on their applications and functions: Inductors: General Definition: An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. Function: Inductors are primarily used to resist changes in current. They oppose the flow of alternating current (AC) and store energy in their magnetic field during each AC cycle. Applications: Inductors are used in a variety of applications, including energy storage, filtering, inductance-capacitance (LC) circuits, transformers, and inductance-based sensors. Chokes: General Definition: A choke is a type of inductor used specifically to block high-frequency alternating current (AC) in electronic circuits while allowing the passage of DC or low-frequency signals. Function: Chokes are designed to provide inductive impedance to AC signals, preventing them from interfering with or being influenced by other components in the circuit. Applications: Chokes are commonly used in power supply circuits to filter out unwanted high-frequency noise. Coils: General Definition: The term "coil" is a broad term that refers to a winding of wire, and it can encompass both inductors and chokes. Function: In a general sense, coils are used to generate magnetic fields, and their specific function depends on the context in which the term is used. Applications: Coils can be found in various applications, including transformers, inductors, chokes, and electromagnets. In summary, while "inductors" is a general term for components that store energy in a magnetic field, "chokes" are a specific type of inductor designed for filtering high-frequency AC signals. "Coils" is a more general term that can refer to any winding of wire, encompassing both inductors and chokes.