Split ferrite core

Types of Split Ferrite Core

Split ferrite cores are used for inductors, transformers, or magnetic shielding in different electrical applications. They come in various types, each designed for certain requirements and ease of installation.

• U-shaped split core

  The U-shaped core consists of two U-shaped halves that interlock when joined, forming a closed magnetic path. It provides minimal air gap for maximum inductance or magnetic flux. This shape is common in transformers, coils, and sensing applications where high efficiencies are needed.

• C-shaped split core

  The C-shaped consists of two C-shaped halves that, when combined, create a continuous magnetic circuit. Though it has a slightly higher air gap than the U-shaped core, it is simpler to manufacture and widely used in power electronics to ensure even magnetic flux distribution in a component.

• E-shaped split core

  The E-shaped split core consists of three vertical legs with an upper crossbar. The shape resembles an E and creates multiple magnetic paths. This core is suitable for electrical transformers, where different winding configurations are needed. It has good magnetic coupling and is often found in power distribution systems.

• Toroidal split core

  Unlike the others, the split toroïdal ferrite core has a ring-like shape. The open groove or gap allows easy access for windings and maintains excellent magnetic flux. It has a very low air gap which improves inductance. This is ideal for applications such as interference suppression, where energy efficiency is critical.

Function(s) of Split Ferrite Core

A split-core ferrite inductor is meant to aid in the performance and efficiency of electronic devices, especially as systems become more compact.

• Magnetic path creation

  Like all other cores, the primary function of the split ferrite core is to provide a low-reluctance path for magnetic lines of force created by an electric current in surrounding wire. This concentrates the magnetic field within the coil and influences the nearby inductive components like transformers.

• Flux managing and directing

  Split ferrite cores are intended to help manage and direct magnetic flux produced in coils or windings by shaping and guiding the flux through the core material. Therefore, the core is responsible for ensuring that most of the magnetic energy does not dissipate into space but rather couples into the desired electrical component.

• Magnetic field strength

  These cores can increase the magnetic field strength through the magnetic field's permeability by reducing reluctance. This is important since factors like geometry define the core's reluctance. Hence, split ferrite cores increase the inductance by decreasing the field strength given that they have a low air gap distance between them.

• Interference suppression

  Split ferrite cores reduce electromagnetic interference and noise. For instance, when a wire passes through a core, the core acts like a filter for any unwanted high-frequency signals. Basically, for the cores to be effective, they work using the principle of impedance matching, which states that a large difference in impedance between two systems would cause one to reflect a portion of the signal. The same idea works here with the split ferrite cores, an ideal medium that reflects unwanted signals.

• Easy installation

  Split ferrite cores come with the convenience of being easily wrapped around wires or components like the other types cannot. This makes them an ideal solution where modifications or retrofitting are needed in existing systems. They provide an easy method for adding shielding without disconnecting or deconstructing the original circuit.

Commercial Value of Split Ferrite Core

• Electronics industry

  The split ferrite core is widely used in the electronics industry, especially in inductors and transformers for power supplies, circuit boards, and various devices. These power supplies include smartphones, computers, and televisions. The high demand in this industry means these cores are readily available and cheap to manufacture in large quantities.

• Industrial applications

  Ferrite cores can also be found in industrial equipment such as motors, sensors, and control systems. Large industrial systems often require specialized cores, but the volume is still quite moderate compared to consumer electronics. Buyers may source split cores for large production runs for industrial equipment or bulk orders for servicing hardware in industrial settings.

• Telecommunications

  The telecom industry is yet another large application market for split cores and devices like transmission lines and signal amplifiers. As demand increases for more data capacity and communications infrastructure, so will the requirement for ferrite cores. However, telecom hardware can widely vary in specifications, so there exists potential for customization.

• Automotive field

  Recent years have seen growth in the automotive field, where cores are applied to sensor systems, power electronics, and battery management. With the increased focus on electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle technology, the ferrite cores demand will probably increase again. The OLED display wires, sensors, and EC boost converters have split cores integrated physically.

• Commercial and military electronics

  Holdings in defense and military applications place high importance on the performance and reliability of electronic components. Therefore, these industries demand high-quality materials, including ferrite cores, for precision instrumentation, communication systems, and control circuitry. There are various commercial and military electronics with similar applications that have core requirements.

How to Choose the Split Ferrite Core

The following factors are what buyers should consider when purchasing split ferrite cores.

• Core material

  Split cores differ in the types of the magnetic materials they are made from. While standard varieties are constructed with manganese-zinc ferrite, which has an extraordinary magnetic permeability to enable high induction, other highly optimized for radio frequency and high-speed power electronic applications, phonetic types are made of nickel-zinc ferrite.

• Core geometry

  Different core shapes yield other magnetic field distributions. For instance, cores of the toroidal shape concentrate the magnetic fields efficiently and thus are ideal for RF inductors. U-shaped and C-shaped cores have less efficient field concentration due to their geometries, making them ideal for power transformer applications that do not require as much concentration as RF circuits.

• Core size and air gap

  The core sizes determine the amount of magnetic flux it can handle. Large cores can accommodate the larger magnetic flux, while smaller ones are compact for low-power applications. Meanwhile, air gaps influence inductance values; larger air gaps reduce inductance. A seamless split ferrite core has no air gap, enabling it to concentrate more on magnetic flux.

• Frequency level

  Magnetic cores operate differently at various frequency levels, which determine the permeability and core loss of the magnetic materials. The nickel-zinc cores have the tendency to yield better results at radio frequencies due to the low loss they experience, while manganese-zinc cores are better suited for lower frequencies typical of power electronics.

• Core coating

  Sandblasting coating was created on the core to help with core heating issues that affect inductor or transformer performance. Insulation coatings such as polyurethane or epoxy reduce heat transfer from power levels through the core to keep the inductance constant. Coating eliminates the likelihood of short-circuiting between wires or windings caused by EMI.

Q&A

Can split cores be used in high-frequency applications?

Split ferrite is ideal for high-frequency applications, particularly where efficient energy transfer has to be maintained without much core loss. The core's shape, size, and material can align the magnetic field concentration to suit the specific requirements of high-frequency operation.

What are split cores made of?

Split cores are commonly manufactured from several types of ferrite materials depending on the applications. Manganese-zinc ferrite is often utilized for power applications because of its high magnetic permeability and low core losses at lower frequencies.

What industries use split ferrite cores?

Split ferrite cores are widely used across various industries, including electronics, telecommunications, and power supply, due to their important function in magnetic field management and server noise suppression in electronic circuits.

What is the advantage of a split core over a solid core?

The split core can be easily installed around existing wires or components, allowing modifications without disassembly. Conversely, solid cores must be integrated into the design from the onset, making the split core less flexible in retrofitting systems.