Handbook for Sound Engineers

Audio Transformers 275

11.1 Audio Transformer Basics

Since the birth of audio electronics, the audio trans-
former has played an important role. When compared to
modern miniaturized electronics, a transformer seems
large, heavy, and expensive but it continues to be the
most effective solution in many audio applications. The
usefulness of a transformer lies in the fact that electrical
energy can be transferred from one circuit to another
without direct connection (e.g., isolation from ground
loops), and in the process the energy can be readily
changed from one voltage level to another (e.g., imped-
ance matching). Although a transformer is not a com-
plex device, considerable explanation is required to
properly understand how it operates. This chapter is
intended to help the audio system engineer properly
select and apply transformers. In the interest of simplic-
ity, only basic concepts of their design and manufacture
will be discussed.

11.1.1 Basic Principles and Terminology

11.1.1.1 Magnetic Fields and Induction

As shown in Fig. 11-1, a magnetic field is created
around any conductor (wire) in which current flows.
The strength of the field is directly proportional to cur-
rent. These invisible magnetic lines of force, collec-
tively called flux, are set up at right angles to the wire
and have a direction, or magnetic polarity, that depends
on the direction of current flow. Note that although the
flux around the upper and lower wires have different
directions, the lines inside the loop aid because they
point in the same direction. If an alternating current
flows in the loop, the instantaneous intensity and polar-
ity of the flux will vary at the same frequency and in
direct proportion to Fig. 11-2, as expanding, contract-
ing, and reversing in polarity with each cycle of the ac
current. The law of induction states that a voltage will
be induced in a conductor exposed to changing flux and
that the induced voltage will be proportional to the rate
of the flux change. This voltage has an instantaneous
polarity which opposes the original current flow in the
wire, creating an apparent resistance called inductive
reactance. Inductive reactance is calculated according
to the formula

(11-1)

where,
XL is inductive reactance in ohms,
f is the frequency in hertz,
L is inductance in Henrys.

An inductor generally consists of many turns or

loops of wire called a coil, as shown in Fig. 11-3, which

links and concentrates magnetic flux lines, increasing

the flux density. The inductance of any given coil is

determined by factors such as the number of turns, the

physical dimensions and nature of the winding, and the

properties of materials in the path of the magnetic flux.

According to the law of induction, a voltage will be

induced in any conductor (wire) that cuts flux lines.

XL= 2 SfL

Figure 11-1. Magnetic field surrounding conductor.

Figure 11-2. ac magnetic field.

Figure 11-3. Coil concentrates flux.

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