Apr 27,2023
Flyback leakage inductance
A flyback transformer is a type of transformer commonly used in power supplies to convert high-voltage, low-current input to low-voltage, high-current output. Flyback transformers have a primary winding and one or more secondary windings.
When a flyback transformer operates, energy is stored in the magnetic field of the primary winding during the on-time of the switching cycle, and then released to the secondary winding(s) during the off-time. However, some of this energy may also be stored in the transformer's core and in the form of a magnetic field around the transformer windings.
The leakage inductance of a flyback transformer refers to the amount of magnetic energy that is stored in this magnetic field around the transformer windings, but not transferred to the secondary winding(s) during the off-time. This energy can cause voltage spikes and other undesirable effects, especially when the flyback transformer is used in high-frequency applications.
Flyback transformer designers must carefully consider the amount of leakage inductance in their designs to ensure that the transformer operates correctly and does not cause unwanted side effects. Techniques such as interleaving the transformer windings or adding snubber circuits can be used to reduce the amount of flyback leakage inductance in a transformer design.
