Above this critical heat level, the ordered magnetic moments in a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material become randomized by thermal agitation, turning it paramagnetic. In electronics, this property is exploited in temperature-controlled soldering irons and self-regulating heating elements. If a permanent magnet in a motor or sensor exceeds this limit, it suffers irreversible demagnetization.
If you run that ferrite core past its Curie temperature, the inductor will saturate and blow the switching FETs.
Also heard as
- Curie point
Related terms
Inductor
A passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
Coil
A passive electrical component made of wire wound into a spiral or cylinder to create a magnetic field.
Thermistor
A passive component whose electrical resistance changes predictably with temperature.