What Is a Pulse Transformer?
A pulse transformer is a transformer designed to transfer short-duration pulse signals with isolation, instead of a continuous sine.
What Does It Do?
It carries a fast pulse produced on one side to the galvanically separated other side without distorting its shape. So a safe bridge is built between the control circuit and the power circuit.
Difference From a Power Transformer
A power transformer is for continuous energy transfer; a pulse transformer is optimized to pass fast-edged, short signals without distortion. Low leakage inductance and fast response are the priorities.
| Property | Importance |
|---|---|
| Rise time | Fast edge transfer |
| Leakage inductance | Must be low |
| Isolation voltage | Safety barrier |
Most Common Use: Gate Driving
In high-voltage power switches (MOSFET/IGBT driving), a pulse transformer is used to carry the control signal to the power side with isolation. This protects the control circuit from the high voltage.
Where Is It Used?
Isolated gate drivers, thyristor/TRIAC triggering, isolated data interfaces and the feedback lines of switch-mode power supplies.
Common Mistakes
- Saturation: the core can saturate with a long pulse or high duty cycle; watch the volt-second limit.
- Wrong polarity: if the winding direction is reversed, the pulse comes out inverted.
- Leakage inductance: high leakage corrupts the pulse edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it used instead of an optocoupler?+
Does it pass a DC level?+
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