Fly back Transformers and Its Working Mechanisms

Fly back transformer also known as line output transformer was initially designed to generate high current saw tooth signals at a comparatively high frequency. It is a special type of electrical transformer that is extensively used in modern applications. In general they are used in switched-mode power supplies for both low (3V) and high voltage (10 k V) supplies. Invented as a means of controlling horizontal movement of the electron beam in a cathode ray tube; the best part about this transformer is the considerable energy that is available in its magnetic circuit. Unlike usual transformers, a fly back transformer is not fed with an indication of the same wave shape as the proposed output current.

Functions of fly back transformers High voltage is supplied to the Cathode Ray Tube in a television or monitor with the help of a fly back transformer. At the frequency of the video signal they are driven by a saw tooth waveform. This is one such integral part of the horizontal deflection circuit that scans the beam from left to right, rapidly returning the beam to the left. Working mechanisms of fly back transformers: Apart from transferring energy it also keeps it to space i.e. its stores a significant fraction of the switching period. This is an added advantage when compared with the main and audio transformers. Coming to the switching part it is achieved by winding the coils on a ferrite core with an air gap. The reluctance of the magnetic circuit is increased by the air gap and its ability to store energy.

In primary and secondary windings the current does not flow simultaneously for the reason that the fly back transformer is really a slackly tied inductor rather than classical transformer, in which currents do flow concurrently in all magnetically coupled windings.

From a DC supply the primary winding of the fly back transformer is usually driven with the help of a switch from a DC supply. The primary winding of the fly back transformer is driven by a switch from a DC supply (usually a transistor). The primary inductance causes the current to build up in a ramp when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, when the switch is turned off, the current in the primary winding collapses leaving the energy stored in magnetic core. Until it is constrained by the load conditions the voltage in the output winding rises quickly. As soon as the voltage reaches that level as to allow the secondary current to flow the current in the secondary winding begins to flow in a form of sliding ramp. This cycle can be repeated. Sometimes, the transformer is made to work in a discontinuous mode and it is done when the secondary current is allowed to discharge completely to zero. During that time the transformer works in discontinuous mode. Switching to the continuous mode they take place when some energy is stored in the core and this can be sort out when the current waveforms look trapezoidal rather than triangular. This jargon is used particularly in power supply transformers.