An inductor is used in power supply circuits to control and smooth the flow of current. While a capacitor smooths voltage, an inductor smooths current. Inductors store energy in a magnetic field that forms around them when current flows through their coil. Unlike a capacitor, an inductor does not store charge. Instead, it resists sudden changes in current.
The energy stored by an inductor is defined by the equation:
E = 1/2 * L * I^2
E is the stored energy in joules, L is the inductance in henrys, and I is the current flowing through the inductor.
The behavior of an inductor makes it very useful in circuits where current needs to remain steady. When current increases, the inductor stores energy by strengthening its magnetic field. When current tries to decrease, the magnetic field collapses and releases energy back into the circuit. This action keeps the current flowing smoothly.
In a power supply circuit, inductors are commonly used in switching power supplies such as buck and boost converters. These circuits rapidly switch current on and off. The inductor prevents abrupt changes by absorbing energy when the switch is on and releasing it when the switch is off. The result is a more stable current going to the load.
Because an inductor resists change in current, it helps reduce electrical noise and prevents sudden spikes. This makes inductors important in filters, converters, and any power circuitry where current stability matters.
In simple terms, an inductor acts like a temporary energy storage device, holding energy in a magnetic field as current flows and giving that energy back when the current drops. The inductor does not push current or voltage by itself. It only stores energy and releases it depending on what the circuit demands.
To summarize in one sentence: In a power supply, an inductor stores energy in a magnetic field when current increases and releases energy when current decreases, helping to smooth and regulate current flow.
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