Ferrite chokes are passive devices that selectively block or scatter high frequencies going through a cable. It can be thought of as an electrical tollbooth that permits sound frequencies to go through while keeping radio frequencies out. The below information will explain the fundamentals and the most common uses of ferrite chokes.
What is a Ferrite Choke?
A ferrite core is typically shaped in a particular way and is used as a part of an electromagnetic device. This shape is used to optimize the performance of the device. It is important to have the right materials for the right application. Ferrite is a magnetic material that is made up of oxides, nickel, zinc and other compounds like manganese. These materials are a special combination of iron oxides and other compounds that are optimized to the right frequency range and characteristics required for the application.
Ferrite cores are different from other ferrite devices like magnets in that they are made from a softer material, commonly known as soft ferrites. Soft ferrites are ferromagnetic not ferromagnetic in that the materials have a very different magnetic ordering.
Most Common Uses the Ferrite Choke
Ferrite cores are used in devices such as chokes, transformers, circulators, and antenna cores in RF applications. These devices are also used as transformers and filtering devices in power supply design.
One very simple use of ferrite chokes is for computer cables. Generally, you will find a bump or long cylinder on cables going to the monitor. These are simple snap-on ferrite; beads suppress the potential RF interference from the cables.
Another common use of this device is for cell phones. There is a great debate over whether the radiation from cell phones causes brain damage. There are several products on the market similar to ferrite chokes or shields that are designed to minimize the radiation and interference.
With the growing need to suppression noise ferrite chokes and other devices will remain in high demand. It is important to have the right materials and applications before starting a project. Before purchasing a ferrite choke make sure, you understand the fundamentals and the most common uses of this device.
