An inductor typically consists of an insulated wire wound into a coil around a magnetic or air core. It resists sudden changes in current by inducing an opposing voltage, a property called inductance. Engineers use inductors in tuned circuits, power supplies, and filters to block high-frequency AC while allowing DC to pass.
Heard on the job
The buck converter is failing because the inductor is saturating at peak load.
Also heard as
- coil
- choke
Related terms
Capacitor
A passive two-terminal component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Resistor
A passive two-terminal component used to limit current flow, divide voltages, or terminate transmission lines.
Coil
A passive electrical component made of wire wound into a spiral or cylinder to create a magnetic field.