A power transformer has primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary windings. The flux connection between these windings powers the transformer. In the transformer, one low resistance magnetic route is supplied for effective flux linkage. This route is well-known in the core. 

The core is typically constructed of various materials such as silicon steel, ferrites, and so on. In this piece, we will go over one of the most important types of cores: ferrite cores. What are they? What are the advantages? Do you have any more questions?

Ferrites Overview:

Ferrites are ferromagnetic ceramic compounds that are non-conductive. When the windings of a transformer are formed of ferrites, the transformer is referred to as a ferrite type transformer. Iron oxides are mixed with zinc, nickel, and manganese compounds to make ferrite cores in transformers. These compounds, known as soft ferrites, have very low coercivity. 

Because of their mechanical and electrical qualities, ferrites offer significant benefits over other magnetic core transformers. High current resistivity, low eddy current losses across a wide frequency range, and high permeability are examples. These characteristics make ferrite transformers appropriate for a variety of high-frequency transformers, adjustable inductors, wideband transformers, and high-frequency circuits operating at frequencies ranging from 10 kHz to 50 MHz.

Ferrite cores are now available in a wide range of material and geometrical configurations.

Different Types of Ferrite Core Type Transformers:

The ferrite cores are mainly into two types:

Manganese Zinc Ferrite (MnZn) is a chemical compound with the formula (MnaZn(1-a)Fe2O4). These cores have greater saturation values and permeability than NiZn. MnZn cores are suited for applications with a frequency of operation less than 5MHz. These cores' impedance makes them appropriate for inductors with frequencies up to 70 MHz. 

NiZn(1-a)Fe2O4 is the chemical formula for nickel zinc ferrite (NiZn). These cores have a greater resistivity than MnZn and are employed in applications with frequencies ranging from 2MHz to hundreds of MHz. NiZn is said to be appropriate for inductors operating at frequencies greater than 70 MHz. These cores have a low Curie temperature and are temperature sensitive (under 500oC)

At that Curie temperature, ferrite materials lose their magnetic characteristics. As a result, this information should be considered while choosing ferrite cores for your transformer.

Ferrite Cores Available in Different Shapes:

They are, however, available. Ferrite cores are categorised according to their shapes, which include:

E and I Cores: These cores have simple bobbin winding and are straightforward to assemble. Power, differential, telecom inductors, broadband, converter, and inverter transformers all employ E and I cores. 

ETD Cores: These cores have a central post that has a low winding resistance. Engineers may tune the diameter of these ETD cores for increased power transformer efficiency. These cores are perfect for power transformers and inductors. 

EFD Cores: EFD cores have cross-sectional areas that make them appropriate for small transformers as well as other inductor and transformer applications. 

EER Cores: The cores include a round centre post instead of a square centre post, which allows for a reduced winding path length.

If you wish to source ferrite core for your transformers application from a reliable source, you can consider Cosmo Ferrites Limited. The company provides ferrite cores in various specifications to meet your application requirements.