A parasitic element is a formal term for the stray resistance, capacitance, or inductance inherent in any real-world electronic component or layout. Unlike ideal schematic symbols, every physical part has these extra attributes due to its geometry and materials. Designers must model these elements in SPICE simulations to predict how high-frequency and high-power circuits will actually perform on the bench.
Make sure you include the inductor's parasitic elements in the model, especially the equivalent series resistance.
Related terms
Parasitic
An unintended electrical property like capacitance or inductance that exists physically in a circuit.
ESR
Equivalent series resistance is the internal resistance that appears in series with an ideal capacitor or inductor.
Discrete component
A basic electronic part that houses a single active or passive circuit element.