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Saturable Inductor

Purpose

Inductor with piece-wise linear saturation

Library

Electrical / Passive Components

Description

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This component provides a saturable inductor between its two electrical terminals. The inductor has a symmetrical piece-wise linear saturation characteristic defined by positive current/flux pairs.

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The operating mode of the saturable inductor is illustrated in the schematic below.

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In the unsaturated state the current flows only through the main inductor L0  . When the absolute value of the current exceeds the threshold I1  , the breaker in series with the auxiliary inductor L1   is closed. The differential inductivity of the component thus becomes Ldiff = L0L1-
       L0+L1   . On the other hand, the total inductivity is calculated as L   = L0i0+L1i1
  tot    i0+i1   , where i
 0   and i
 1   are the momentary inductor currents.
Note  In order to model a saturation characteristic with n   segments, this component requires n   ideal inductors and 2(n - 1)   ideal switches. It is therefore advisable use as few segments as possible.

Parameters

Current values
A vector of positive current values I   in amperes (A) defining the piece-wise linear saturation characteristic. The current values must be positive and strictly monotonic increasing. At least one value is required.
Flux values
A vector of positive flux values Y   in Vs defining the piece-wise linear saturation characteristic. The flux values must be positive and strictly monotonic increasing. The number of flux values must match the number of current values.
Initial current
The initial current through the inductor at simulation start, in amperes (A). This parameter may either be a scalar or a vector corresponding to the implicit width of the component. The direction of a positive initial current is indicated by a small arrow at one of the terminals. The initial current default is 0.

Probe Signals

Inductor current
The current flowing through the inductor, in amperes (A). The direction of a positive current is indicated with a small arrow at one of the terminals.
Inductor voltage
The voltage measured across the inductor, in volts (V).
Saturation level
The saturation level indicates which sector of the piece-wise linear characteristic is currently applied. During linear operation, i.e. operation in the first sector, the saturation level is 0. The saturation level is negative for negative flux and current values.