INDUCTORS AND

INDUCTANCE
 INDUCTORS CONNECTION

Series Inductances
Inductors in series are simply “added together” because the number of
coil turns is effectively increased, with the total circuit inductance LT being equal
to the sum of all the individual inductances added together.

Where: L total is in the same units of inductance as L1 , L2 , and Ln .

This formula assumes NO MUTUAL INDUCTION between the coils
EXAMPLE
Three inductors of 10mH, 50mH and 40mH are connected together
in a series combination with no mutual inductance between them.
Calculate the total inductance of the series combination.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 10𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 50𝑚𝐻, 𝐿3 = 40𝑚𝐻

SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 𝐿3
𝐿 𝑇 = 10𝑚𝐻 + 50𝑚𝐻 + 40𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 100 𝑚𝐻
MUTUALLY CONNECTED INDUCTORS IN SERIES
The influence of mutual inductance increases or reduces the total
inductance depending on the amount of magnetic coupling when inductors are
linked in series and the magnetic field of one links with the magnetic field of the
other. The mutual inductance effect is determined by the distance between the
coils and their orientation to one another.
Mutually connected series inductors can be classified as "Aiding" or
"Opposing" the total inductance. If the magnetic flux created by the current runs
in the same direction across the coils, the coils are said to be Cumulatively
Coupled. If the current travels in different directions via the coils, the coils are
said to be Differentially Coupled.
 CUMULATIVELY COUPLED SERIES INDUCTORS
(SERIES AIDING CONNECTION)

While the current flowing between points A and D through the two
cumulatively linked coils is in the same direction, the equation for the voltage
drops across each coil must be adjusted to account for the interaction
between the two coils due to mutual inductance. Each individual coil's self
inductance, L1 and L2, will be the same as previously, but with the addition
of M indicating the two (2) mutual inductance. It can be represented as:
Ltotal = L 1 + L 2 + 2M
Where: 2M represents the influence of coil L1 on L2
EXAMPLE
Two inductors of 10mH respectively are connected together in a
series combination so that their magnetic fields aid each other giving
cumulative coupling. Their mutual inductance is given as 5mH.
Calculate the total inductance of the series combination.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 10𝑚𝐻 , 𝐿2 = 10𝑚𝐻, M= 5𝑚𝐻
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 2𝑀
𝐿 𝑇 = 10𝑚𝐻 + 10𝑚𝐻 + 2 5𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 30𝑚𝐻
 DIFFERENTIALLY COUPLED SERIES INDUCTORS
(SERIES OPPOSING CONNECTION)
If one of the coils is flipped such that the same current runs through each
coil but in opposite directions, the mutual inductance, M, between the two
coils cancels out. Thus, explains in series opposing connection below. To
note of this cancelling effect a minus sign is used with M when the
magnetic field of the two coils are differentially connected giving us the
final equation for calculating the total inductance of a circuit.
Represented as:

Ltotal = L 1 + L 2 - 2M
EXAMPLE
If two coils of inductance 70 mH and 30 mH are connected in series,
then find the total differential inductance of the series connected
inductors. Consider the mutual inductance of the combination of the
two coils is 40 mH.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 70𝑚𝐻 , 𝐿2 = 30𝑚𝐻, M= 40𝑚𝐻
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 − 2𝑀
𝐿 𝑇 = 70𝑚𝐻 + 30𝑚𝐻 − 2 40𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 20𝑚𝐻
 Thus, gives us the final equation for inductively coupled inductors in series is given as:

EXAMPLE
Two coils connected in series have a self-inductance of 20mH and 60mH respectively. The total inductance
of the combination was found to be 100mH. Determine the amount of mutual inductance that exists between
the two coils assuming that they are aiding each other.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 20𝑚𝐻 , 𝐿2 = 30𝑚𝐻, 𝐿 𝑇 = 100𝑚𝐻
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ± 2𝑀
𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ± 2𝑀
100mH = 20mH + 60mH ± 2𝑀
2M = 100mH – 20mH – 60mH
2M = 20mH
2𝑀 20𝑚𝐻
=
2 2
M = 10mH
PARALLEL INDUCTANCES
Inductors in parallel are inductors that are connected side-by-side in different
branches of a circuit. The easiest approach to think about parallel circuits is to
consider the several paths that current can follow. When current flows through a
parallel circuit, it can follow numerous pathways across the circuits, such as
through any of the branches that include inductors.

This formula assumes NO MUTUAL INDUCTION

EXAMPLE
Three inductors of 60mH, 120mH and 75mH respectively, are connected
together in a parallel combination with no mutual inductance between them.
Calculate the total inductance of the parallel combination in millihenries.

GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 60𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 120𝑚𝐻, 𝐿3 = 75𝑚𝐻

1
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 1 1 1
+ +
𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐿3
1
𝐿𝑇 =
1 1 1
+ +
60𝑚𝐻 120𝑚𝐻 75𝑚𝐻
1
𝐿𝑇 =
38.33
or 26mH
 PARALLEL AIDING INDUCTORS
Because the voltage across the two parallel assisting inductors must be identical,
the two currents must be equal. If the two inductors' inductances are equal and
the magnetic coupling is complete, as in a toroidal circuit, the equivalent
inductance of the two inductors in parallel is L, as LT = L1 = L2 = M. However, if
their mutual inductance is zero, the equivalent inductance is L 2, which is the
same as two self-induced inductors in parallel.

Where: 2M represents the influence of coil L 1 on L 2 and likewise coil L 2 on L 1.

EXAMPLE
Two inductors whose self-inductances are of 75mH and 55mH respectively are
connected together in parallel aiding. Their mutual inductance is given as
22.5mH. Calculate the total inductance of the parallel combination.

GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 75𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 55𝑚𝐻, M = 22.5𝑚𝐻

SOLUTION:
 PARALLEL OPPOSING INDUCTORS
If one of the two coils were reversed with regard to the other, we would have
two parallel opposing inductors, and the mutual inductance, M, that exists
between the two coils would have a cancelling impact on each coil rather than
an assisting effect, as illustrated below.
the total inductance, LT for two parallel opposing
inductors is given as:
EXAMPLE
If the two inductors 25mH and 45mH are connected in parallel opposing, calculate the total
inductance of the parallel combination. The mutual inductance is given as 20mH.

GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 25𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 45𝑚𝐻, M = 20𝑚𝐻

𝐿1 𝐿2 −𝑀2
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 =
𝐿1 +𝐿2 +2𝑀
25𝑚𝐻(45𝑚𝐻) − 20𝑚𝐻 2
𝐿𝑇 =
25𝑚𝐻 + 45𝑚𝐻 + 2(20𝑚𝐻)
1125𝑚𝐻 − 400𝑚𝐻
𝐿𝑇 =
70𝑚𝐻 + 40𝑚𝐻
725𝑚𝐻
𝐿𝑇 =
110𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 6.59mH
SUMMARY IN SERIES
• An inductor is a passive element which is used in electronics circuits for storing energy as
magnetic flux. Inductance is measured in Henry.
• Self inductance is the property of an electric circuit or a loop in which its own magnetic field
opposes any change in current
• Mutual inductance is the ability of an inductor that causes to induce emf in another inductor
placed very close to it when current in first inductor changes.
• The end to end connection of two or more inductors is called “series connection of inductors”.
The formula for total inductance in series is LT = L1 + L2
• The total inductance of the series connected inductors is always greater than the largest
inductor in that series.
• If the magnetic fluxes produced by the inductors are in the same direction to the flow of
current through them, then the coils are known as “Cumulatively coupled”. LT = L1 + L2 + 2M
• If the magnetic fluxes produced by the inductors are in the opposite direction to each other,
then the coils are known as “Differentially coupled”. LT = L1 + L2 – 2M
SUMMARY IN PARALLEL
• Connecting the two terminals of inductor respectively to other inductor or
inductors terminals, then that connection is referred as “parallel connection of
inductors”.
• When the fluxes produced by individual inductors are in the same direction,
the mutual inductance will be increased; then these coils are called “Aiding”
coils. Total inductance for aiding coils is LT = (L1 L2– M2)/(L1+ L2 )-2M).When
the fluxes produced by individual inductors are in the opposite direction of
magnetic flux, the mutual inductance will be decreased; then these coils are
called “opposing” coils. Total inductance for aiding coils is LT = (L1 L2–
M2)/(L1+ L2 )+2M)
SUMMARY OF FORMULAS

SERIES PARALLEL
1
NO MUTUAL INDUCTION 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + ⋯ 𝐿𝑁 𝐿𝑇 =
1 1 1
+
𝐿1 𝐿2 + ⋯ 𝐿𝑁

AIDING CONNECTION Ltotal = L 1 + L 2 + 2M

OPPOSING CONNECTION Ltotal = L 1 + L 2 - 2M

EXERCISE ON WHAT YOU LEARN
If two coils of inductance 70 mH and 30 mH are connected in series,
then find the total cumulative inductance of the series connected
inductors. Consider the mutual inductance of the combination of the
two coils is 40 mH.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 70𝑚𝐻 , 𝐿2 = 30𝑚𝐻, M= 40𝑚𝐻
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2 + 2𝑀
𝐿 𝑇 = 70𝑚𝐻 + 30𝑚𝐻 + 2 40𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 180𝑚𝐻
If the two inductors 25mH and 45mH are connected in parallel aiding, calculate
the total inductance of the parallel combination. The mutual inductance is given
as 20mH.
GIVEN: 𝐿1 = 25𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 45𝑚𝐻, M = 20𝑚𝐻
𝐿1 𝐿2 −𝑀2
SOLUTION: 𝐿 𝑇 =
𝐿1 +𝐿2 −2𝑀

25𝑚𝐻(45𝑚𝐻) − 20𝑚𝐻 2
𝐿𝑇 =
25𝑚𝐻 + 45𝑚𝐻 − 2(20𝑚𝐻)
1125𝑚𝐻 − 400𝑚𝐻
𝐿𝑇 =
70𝑚𝐻 − 40𝑚𝐻
725𝑚𝐻
𝐿𝑇 =
30𝑚𝐻
𝐿 𝑇 = 24.166mH
 ENERGY IN A MAGNETIC FIELD OF INDUCTANCE
The magnetic flux of a current in an inductor is powered by the voltage source
that generates the current. The energy is stored in the magnetic field because it
may produce induced voltage when the flux moves. The quantity of stored
electric energy is;

𝜀 = 1/2 LI2
Where: 𝜀 = Electric energy in watt-seconds or joules
L = inductance in henrys
I = current in amperes
½= average results of I in producing energy
EXAMPLE
Calculate the energy in joules stored by a magnetic field created by 90 mA of
current in a 60mH inductor.
GIVEN: L=90mA, I=60mH
SOLUTION: 𝜀 = 1/2 LI2
𝜀 = ½(60mH)(90mA) 2
𝜀 = ½(60x10−3 )(90x10−3 )2
𝜀 = 486,000x 10−9 or 0.486x 10−3 watt-seconds or joules
𝜀 = 0.486x 10−3 J
REFERENCES:
• https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/inductor/parallel-inductors.html
• https://www.electronicshub.org/inductors-in-
series/?fbclid=IwAR1XvmULUhalauFJf2eGn29b4xzfxLClEM7M0945Fj7XNl-
wFntwSMdski0
• https://www.electronicshub.org/inductors-in-
parallel/#Parallel_opposing_Inductors_Example
• http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Inductors-in-series-and-in-
parallel.php
• Module No. 3_EST 1 - ELECTRONIC DEVICES, COMPONENTS AND ITS
APPLICATION (INDUCTANCE/ INDUCTOR)