Pulse & Drive Transformers

In the realm of high-frequency power conversion, pulse transformers play a pivotal role. These specialized components are essential for transferring electrical pulses from the control stage to the power stage while maintaining galvanic isolation between circuits. This isolation is critical for adhering to safety standards across various application fields. Pulse transformers are indispensable in ensuring the seamless operation of high-frequency power converters, particularly when driving power BJTs, MOSFETs, IGBTs, SCRs, GTOs, and TRIACs.

Purpose and Application

Pulse transformers are designed to transfer electrical pulses with precision and reliability. Their primary purpose is to transmit an electrical signal from the primary to the secondary side, facilitating the control of power devices while ensuring galvanic isolation. This isolation is crucial for preventing electrical interference and ensuring safety in high-voltage applications.

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Pulse transformers in high-frequency power conversion systems exhibit several critical features that make them suitable for various applications. These features include:

Primary to Secondary Turns Ratio: The ratio between the number of turns in the primary winding and the secondary winding, which determines the voltage transformation.

Minimum Voltage-Time Area (Vt): The maximum voltage-time product that can be transferred to the secondary side without causing core saturation, typically specified at 25°C.

Primary Winding Inductance (Lp): The inductance of the primary winding, which influences the transformer's impedance.

Coupling Capacity (Ck): The capacity between windings, affecting the transformer's efficiency and signal integrity.

Primary Leakage Inductance (Ls): The inductance measured at the primary side with the secondary winding short-circuited, impacting the rise time and pulse fidelity.

Primary and Secondary Winding Resistance (Rp and Rs): The resistance of the windings, which affects power loss and thermal performance.

Rise Time (tr): The time required to transfer the pulse to the secondary side when the rated load resistance is connected, closely related to leakage inductance.

Maximum Secondary Current (Imax): The highest current the secondary winding can handle, corresponding to a specific rise time.

Rated Primary Effective Current (Ip): The thermal current rating of the primary winding, ensuring safe operation.

Rated Working Frequency (fn): The optimal frequency range for the transformer's operation.

Maximum Working Voltage (Uis): The highest voltage that can be safely applied between the windings.

Isolation Voltage (Up): The voltage the transformer can isolate between the primary and secondary windings, ensuring safety and reliability.

Pulse transformers are classified based on their dimensions and production profiles, grouped into families. These families include standard pulse and drive transformers, each with unique characteristics suitable for various applications. However, due to the diverse range of application requirements, custom-designed pulse transformers are often necessary.

Standard Pulse and Drive Transformers: These transformers are listed by family, with each family offering a range of sizes and specifications. They provide a general solution for many applications, making it easy to select a transformer based on the standard codes table.

Custom Design: When standard transformers do not meet specific application needs, custom design options are available. Custom-designed pulse transformers are tailored to precise specifications, ensuring optimal performance for unique applications. This customization ensures that the transformer meets all required parameters, such as turns ratio, inductance, resistance, rise time, and isolation voltage.

Enhanced Safety: By providing galvanic isolation, pulse transformers enhance safety in high-voltage applications, preventing electrical shocks and interference

Improved Efficiency: Efficiently transferring electrical pulses, pulse transformers reduce power losses and improve the overall efficiency of power converters

Versatility: Suitable for various applications, pulse transformers can be used in control circuits, power stages, and other high-frequency systems

Reliability: Designed to operate under stringent conditions, pulse transformers ensure reliable performance even in demanding environments

Customization: Custom design options allow for precise tailoring to specific application requirements, ensuring optimal performance

Pulse transformers are indispensable components in high-frequency power conversion systems. Their ability to transfer electrical pulses with precision while maintaining galvanic isolation makes them essential for various applications, from control circuits to power stages. With a range of standard and custom design options, pulse transformers offer unparalleled flexibility and performance. By understanding the key features and benefits of pulse transformers, engineers and designers can make informed decisions, ensuring the optimal performance of their high-frequency power converters.

Invest in pulse transformers to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of your power conversion systems. Whether you require a standard transformer or a custom-designed solution, pulse transformers are the key to achieving superior performance in your high-frequency applications. Contact us today to place an enquiry and discover how our pulse transformers can meet your specific needs.