How To Test A Switch Mode Power Supply Transformer? Miracle Electronics

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How To Test A Switch Mode Power Supply
Transformer? Miracle Electronics
Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) transformers are
flexible and used in a variety of industries
like aerospace, biomedical, telecommunications,
and automation controls. The major applications
for these transformers include converters,
inverters, switching regulators, low power
isolation power supplies, high Q filters, and RFI
filters. With so many applications using these
transformers, it is important that you test your
transformers periodically so as to avoid any
faults or breakdowns. However, testing a SMPS
transformer is different from testing a linear
transformer, because both these types of power
supplies operate differently on distinctive
principles, depending upon their distinguished
characteristics and designs.
Because the SMPS transformers pass transistor
continually swaps between low and high
dissipation, testing it cannot be as simple as
attaching probes and examining the power. There
are multiple tests that are specific to SMPS
transformers to check their power and
functionality, which are listed below. Winding
Resistance This test helps to analyze the
suitability and standard of the wires used
whether the correct wire has been used or not,
and whether or not the wire is up to the required
standard. Also, whether or not the winding has
been properly installed within the transformer
can be checked.
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Turns ratio and phasing This test verifies the
polarity of the windings, along with checking for
the accuracy of the turns of the
winding. Insulation resistance This test checks
the resistance of the non-safety insulation
between the screens and windings of the
transformer. Inductance This test can be
performed on any SMPS transformer with or
without air gaps. In case of transformers with
air gaps, the gap between the winding and core is
checked for mutual inductance. While, in the
case of transformers without air gaps, the core
faces are checked for contamination and
tightness. If not, the respective measures of
thorough cleaning and fitting are
taken. Current and inductance leakage As the
name suggests, this test checks for current
leakage within the transformer. Moreover, the
windings are also checked to ensure that they are
properly positioned on the bobbin. Hi-Pot This
test checks the safety isolation at the core,
safety screen, and both primary and secondary
windings. Q factor This test checks for any
wires that have been shorted during transformer
assembly. In order to prevent situations of
shutdowns or over voltage, you must perform the
above mentioned tests on your SMPS transformer.
If all these tests are passed, then the
transformer is ready for use. However, if you
buy your transformer from a renowned SMPS
transformer manufacturer in India like Miracle
Electronics, you need not worry about any tests
as all their transformers are always tested
before being shipped to the customers. Moreover,
all their transformers are RoHS and REACH
compliant. Available product variants at Miracle
Electronics include UU transformers, EE
transformers, EI transformers, toroid ferrite
core transformers,
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and pot core transformers. In addition, you can
also get other inclusions like TEX E wires,
sleeves, connectors, L clamps, U brackets,
ferrite cores, and class B / F/ H insulation.
For more details, please visit Miracle
Electronics