Inductors in Series Calculator

Calculate equivalent inductance for inductors connected in series using addition formula

Calculate Equivalent Inductance

Inductors (2/10)

Equivalent Inductance Results

0
Microhenries (μH)
0
Millihenries (mH)
0
Henries (H)
0
Kilohenries (kH)
0s
Time Constant (τ = L/R, R=1Ω)
0
Active Inductors

Formula used: Leq = L1 + L2 + ... + Ln

Series property: Equivalent inductance is always greater than any individual inductance

Current flow: Same current flows through all inductors in series

Circuit Analysis

Example Calculation

Three Inductors in Series

Inductor 1: L₁ = 5H

Inductor 2: L₂ = 10H

Inductor 3: L₃ = 15H

Step-by-Step Calculation

Leq = L₁ + L₂ + L₃

Leq = 5 + 10 + 15

Leq = 30H

Series Inductors Properties

I

Same Current

All inductors have same current

I₁ = I₂ = I₃ = Itotal

V

Voltage Division

Voltage divides proportionally by inductance

Vtotal = V₁ + V₂ + V₃

L

Increased Inductance

Equivalent > largest individual

Leq > max(L₁, L₂, L₃)

Circuit Tips

Use series inductors to increase total inductance

Higher voltage across larger inductance values

Series connection provides single current path

If one inductor fails, the entire circuit fails

Understanding Inductors in Series

What are Series Inductors?

Inductors are connected in series when they are connected end to end, forming a single path for current flow. In this configuration, the same current flows through each inductor, but the voltage across each inductor depends on its individual inductance value.

Key Characteristics

  • Same current through all inductors
  • Voltage divides between inductors
  • Increased total inductance
  • Single energy storage path

Series Inductance Formula

Leq = L₁ + L₂ + ... + Lₙ

  • Leq: Equivalent inductance (H)
  • L₁, L₂, Lₙ: Individual inductances (H)
  • Voltage Division: Vn = Ln × (dI/dt)
  • Energy Storage: Etotal = ½Leq

Note: For equal inductors: Leq = n × L, where n is the number of inductors

Applications

  • Choke Coils: Increasing inductance for filtering
  • Tuning Circuits: Achieving specific resonant frequencies
  • Energy Storage: Increasing magnetic energy storage
  • Impedance Matching: Adjusting circuit impedance

Design Considerations

  • Current Rating: All inductors must handle the same current
  • Voltage Distribution: Consider individual voltage ratings
  • Mutual Coupling: Consider magnetic coupling between coils
  • Quality Factor: Overall Q-factor affects performance