Types of Transformers

There are six different types of transformers we will address in this hub and none of them will be related to a toy or a movie. Transformers are a type of passive electronic component that are used to step up or step down the voltage in a circuit or system.

The voltage transformer is similar to the more common power transformer. It is also referred to as a potential transformer and is used for metering and protection in high voltage circuits. It is designed in order to achieve an accurate voltage ratio over the range of the load and is often used to step up low voltages or step down high ones.

The power transformer is the most commonly used transformer. One thing to remember is that a transformer doesn't actually create power, but transfers it from one coil winding to another. The power transformer is actually a type of voltage transformer and it is used in many different power type applications. Some of these transformers are immersed in oil in order to keep them cooler and stop them from overheating.

The current transformer is also known as a series transformer. It is often placed in series with a high current circuit. It is used for the measurement of electric circuits and they are often used in metering and protective relays.

As the name implies, the impedance transformer was designed to ensure accurate impedance transformation. For example, a transformer may be used to "match" the impedance of an amplifier to a speaker. In fact, they are often used in low-frequency amplifiers.

The Isolation transformer has no direct connection between windings, but they are connected via the magnetic flux in the core. In most cases, the winding ratio is a one to one. In other words, it is neither a step up, nor a step down but a means of isolating the circuit from the power supply.

Lastly, the auto transformer in unique in its tapped windings. The primary is normal, but the secondary has at least three taps where electrical connections can be made and these different taps result in different voltages. They are often used in applications where it is needed to interconnect systems operating at different voltages.

This list is by no means complete. There are other transformers that have not been addressed in this Hub, such as the audio transformer. It is, however, representative of many, if not most of the transformers used in electronic circuits.