Saturable Inductor
Purpose
Saturable inductor.
Library
Nonlinear
Description
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.
The operating mode of the saturable inductor is illustrated in the schematic
below.
In the unsaturated state the current flows only through the main inductor
. When the absolute value of the current exceeds the threshold
, the
breaker in series with the auxiliary inductor
is closed. The differential
inductivity of the component thus becomes
. On the other
hand, the total inductivity is calculated as
, where
and
are the momentary inductor currents.
Note In order to model a saturation
characteristic with
segments, this component requires
ideal inductors and
ideal switches. It is therefore advisable use as few segments as
possible.
Parameters and Dialog Box
-
Current values
- A vector of positive current values
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
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.