Autotransformers are used in step-up or step-down applications. The significant distinction of an autotransformer is that the primary and secondary windings are electrically common to each other, providing no isolation. They also have the limitation that they therefore provide no regulation for variable input applications. Advantages of autotransformers include relatively small size, due to the sharing of coils by the primary and secondary sides, and low cost for non-sensitive applications such as heaters and appliance motors.
Transformers used in series with line or power supply voltages to buck (reduce) or boost (increase) voltages. They are typically versatile and can be used to correct for voltage line drops or to adapt to international voltage variations. While buck / boost transformers do not inherently provide voltage regulation for fluctuating input, they can be combined with other voltage regulation devices in power conditioning applications.
Industrial control transformers are specifically designed to supply the required power (voltage and current) needed to operate industrial control units such as relays, solenoids, PLCs, and other control components. Control transformers (also known as machine tool transformers) provide isolation to control components from power surges and lighting circuits, and provide good power regulation under inrush conditions. The inrush current requirement of control elements can be up to 15 times the transformer's nominal rating. While the inrush current is occurring the control transformer keeps the voltage powering the control element as steady as possible.
Current transformers are used to convert high power signals to lower, more manageable signals. The most common type of transformer is the "donut style" transformer, or a ring that encircles the wire carrying the high power signal. A proportional, lower power signal is magnetically induced into the ring or donut and is transmitted via two leads attached to the ring. This construction resembles an encircling ammeter, which also uses an induced proportional signal to measure current.
A pole-type distribution transformer is used to supply relatively small amounts of power to residences. It is used at the end of the electrical utility’s delivery system.
A special transformer that accepts variable input voltage and puts out regulated AC voltage. Ferroresonant transformers are used independently to prevent fluctuations or may be built into more functional devices such as uninterruptible power supplies. Limitations of ferroresonant transformers include high output impedance and somewhat distorted waveform output, which can interfere with safety devices such as circuit breakers, and potentially cause undervoltage conditions in sensitive electronic devices. Ferroresonant UPS systems are waning in application popularity due to potential instability and oscillation when supplying modern power factor corrected power supplies.
These transformers are typically used to provide the required voltage for tube filaments. Applications include X-ray tubes, electron tubes, and many radio, audio, and television amplifiers and other power devices.
A flyback transformer is a simple switching transformer that typically uses one switch or transistor. When the transistor is energized in the first part of the switching cycle, the energy is stored in the primary coil; the switching of the transistor causes the energy to be transferred to the secondary and the load. It is fundamentally more of a frequently switching isolated energy storage inductor.
Isolation transformers provide total galvanic separation of input and output circuits. This separation provides safety and protection for devices from unwanted high electrical surges and other potentially damaging transients.
Laminated transformers are made up of layers or laminations of steel, making up the "core" that is surrounded by the coils in core and coil ballast. The laminations are frequently separated by thin nonconductive layers, which allow for the development of magnetic field, but prevent high loss due to eddy currents.
The power transformer is used primarily to couple electrical energy from a power supply line to a circuit system, or to one or more components of the system.
Pulse transformers handle primary signals whose waveform is defined by pulses. They are frequently constructed of small numbers of turns of fine wire. Applications include impedance matching and the inversion of signal pulse polarity.
Radio Frequency (RF) transformers are designed to operate with signals in the RF range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. They are typically used in low-power circuits for impedance matching to achieve maximum power transfer, for voltage step-up or step-down, and for DC isolation of two circuits while maintaining AC continuity. RF transformers are wound onto tubes of insulator material and have cores constructed of iron or air.
Step-up and step-down transformers are used to either increase or decrease incoming voltage via ratios between the primary and secondary windings. Many are designed to do both (e.g., 120/208/240V in and 120/240V out) to handle worldwide voltages. They are also commonly used to step down voltage prior to DC rectification.
Switching transformers use a high frequency switching DC signal as their primary, which is handled like an AC signal. The power input can be from batteries, a DC power supply, or a rectified AC line signal, which is switched on and off at frequencies well into the kilohertz range. Modern materials and circuitry are allowing increase switching frequencies approaching 1 MHz.
Transformers for three-phase power applications. The primary and secondary windings may be in delta or wye configurations, or any combination. This category also includes transformers whose primary winding is in a delta or wye configuration, and whose secondary output winding is single phase.
Toroidal transformers are defined by their geometric shape, similar to a doughnut. Applications include power transformers, autotransformers, and inductors. Advantages include high efficiency associated with low core losses due to the absence of an air gap in the tape wound core. The relatively high surface area of the toroid exposed to air allows for greater cooling in comparison to a laminated steel transformer. They can therefore generally be smaller and more efficient than laminated transformers, and can be designed with flexibility in size and mounting options.
All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Transformers for use in aviation or aerospace applications; may include such considerations as 400 Hz power or applicable military or federal regulations.
Transformers involved in the transmission of voice or sound signals. Design considerations include requirements of wide frequency bandwidth with low distortion and noise suppression.
Transformers designed for portable use on construction and other field sites. Designs often include rugged enclosures or cases and provisions for easy carrying or transport.
Medical device transformer design emphasizes safety with features such as double insulation, thermal fuses, and safety shields to prevent patient shock and sudden failure. Transformer leakage current is also minimized or eliminated. Also important are certifications to safety standards such as UL2601, UL544, CSA22.2 no 601.1, IEC2601, and TUV.
Motor drive transformers are specialized devices that somewhat resemble standard distribution transformers, but have special design features for motor drive capability for AC and DC drives.
Transformers designed to handle high voltage or high power signals associated with power transmission and/or distribution. Design considerations include construction for long service life, resistance to outdoor weather conditions, and compliance with governmental standards governing public utilities.
Used in radio frequency or other long distance communications applications. These transformers typically provide well-regulated output for the sensitive electronics involved in communications devices. Compliance with standards such as FCC regulations is also frequently important in design.
Includes transformers designed for unlisted specialized applications or industry use.
Search Logic:
All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Transformer is mounted, typically vertically, within an open frame insulating shroud, bracket or flange, which is typically manufactured of high temperature material.
Economical and common way of mounting transformer horizontally. The transformer is secured to mounting surface (e.g. chassis / pc board) via a bolt passing through the center of a metal dish, disk or plate that is placed on top of transformer. The bolt runs through the center of the plate and transformer (and typically additional rubber pads for shock/vibration control).
Unlisted, specialized, or proprietary configuration.
Search Logic:
All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
The CE-marking is a regulatory community sign that has to be obligatorily affixed on industrial products conforming to European Union standards. However, the CE-mark is not yet a quality mark.
The CSA Mark may appear alone or with indicators. If it appears alone, it means that the product is certified for the Canadian market, to the applicable Canadian standards. If this Mark appears with the indicator "C and US" or "NRTL/C" it means that the product is certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, to the applicable U.S. and Canadian standards.
The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) publishes and maintains standards for electrical product conformity testing and certification. Transformers are only one area among many hundreds of electrical products for which the IEC has published standards.
In 1987, International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 standards were developed to ensure those companies' products and services have consistent, documented approaches that meet the European community's quality requirements.
ISO 9001 sets out the requirements for an organization whose business processes range all the way from design and development, to production, installation and servicing.
ISO 9002 is a quality assurance model made up of quality system requirements. This model applies to organizations that produce, install, and service products. ISO expects organizations to apply this model, and to meet these requirements, by developing a quality system.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Marks are used only on component parts that are part of a larger product or system. These components may have restrictions on their performance or may be incomplete in construction. Products intended for Canada carry the Recognized Component Mark "C."
The Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, a non-profit association for electrical science and technology, publishes standards and certification requirements for many electrical and electronic components.
Transformer designs include unlisted certifications or standards.
Search Logic:
All products with ANY of the selected attributes will be returned as matches. Leaving all boxes unchecked will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
Companies are located in the Northeast United States, namely Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Companies are located in the Southern United States, namely Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
Companies are located in the Midwest United States, namely Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Companies have facilities in South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, or Chile; or in Central American countries such as Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, etc.
Products with the selected attribute will be returned as matches. Leaving or selecting "No Preference" will not limit the search criteria for this question; products with all attribute options will be returned as matches.
