A planar transformer is an electrical device that transfers power from one circuit to another. It consists of two or more sets of primary and secondary windings that are placed on the same flat or planar surface. This allows for efficient power transmission at a low cost compared to wire-wound conventional transformers and inductors.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics and uses of a planar transformer, discuss its advantages over other types of electrical transformers, and explain how they help several applications. So keep reading to learn more.  

Planar Transformers Explained

A planar transformer is a device that transfers power from one circuit to another. It consists of two or more sets of primary and secondary windings placed on the same flat or planar surface on a multi-layered printed circuit board. Planar transformers have a higher surface area and smaller size requirements than conventional wire wound transformers. 

Planar transformers are constructed in various shapes, such as circular, rectangular, and polygonal. Depending on the application, the primary and secondary windings may be arranged in different configurations. The number of turns and wire size used for each winding also vary depending on the application.

Planar Transformer Advantages

Most electronic designers know planar transformers from their slim profiles, but they offer several additional benefits too, which we list here. 

Cost Savings

Planar Transformers have a lower footprint and weigh less than traditional transformers and, as a result, are typically cheaper to purchase.

High Efficiency

Planar transformers use magnetically coupled coils, allowing them to transfer power while generating minimal heat, leading to increased efficiency compared to traditional transformers.

Reliability

Because there are fewer individual components in planar transformers, they have a high resistance to shock, vibrations, and temperature extremes. This leads to greater reliability and longer service life than traditional transformer designs.

Space Savings

In applications with limited space, planar transformers offer significant savings due to their smaller size than traditional transformer designs. You can use these space savings to decrease the product's size or for additional components or other purposes.

Low Noise Level

While switching processes often cause noise with regular transformer designs, the magnetic fields incorporated into planar transformer design help minimize this issue by reducing the electromagnetic interference generated during operation.

High Power Density

The consolidated design of planar transformers allows them to pack more layers of windings on the same core size. This improved winding density results in higher power outputs than regular transformer designs because you can fit more windings c onto the same core size, thus enabling higher power ratings with a similarly sized coil structure.

Fast Switching Response Time

Planar transformers also provide fast response time due to their low capacitive voltages. As a result, they can better handle abrupt changes in load current without experiencing any immediate drops in voltage output since they quickly adjust their inductance accordingly. When the load requirements suddenly increase or decrease, it results in minimum disruptions during these load transitions.

Planar Transformer Applications

Here are some of the most common applications for planar transformers. 

3D Printing

Planar transformers are increasingly used for 3D printing due to their steady output power and low losses when transferring energy from the primary side of the transformer to the secondary side (the machine). This type of transformer is also lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for portable or mobile 3D printers. Furthermore, they often require less maintenance than other types of transformers, making them a valuable asset when dealing long-term with printing equipment.

Power Supplies in Automotive Electronics

With their ability to deliver constant amounts of current safely and efficiently, planar transformers are ideal for use in sensitive electronics such as dashboard displays, navigation systems, and entertainment units in gas-powered and electric vehicles. Automotive manufacturers often choose planar designs because they require minimal mechanical space while still providing superior protection against short-circuiting and other potential hazards that can come with supplying power throughout the car’s various components.

Sensors

Given their ability to provide reliable electrical currents on both the primary and secondary sides, there's a growing demand for planar transformers in sensor production. Automated sensing devices like temperature and pressure sensors can benefit greatly from these products since they provide a predictable method of electricity transfer without any risk of fluctuations or surges that could throw off readings or damage more fragile components within the system.

Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinery needs accurate measurements and consistent output levels when operating if it is going to run smoothly and efficiently, so using a planar transformer can aid extensively here. Opting for this type allows manufacturers access to higher-performing equipment while ensuring their machinery can access unclean power grids. These grids may be full of spikes or dips in voltage levels without needing a separate stabilizing device or expensive infrastructure setup at each factory location where their machines operate.

Robotics Applications

Robotics applications often involve many integral parts working together but should operate with consistent power sources if they will work properly each time they are called upon. That’s why many robotics producers have successfully integrated planar transformers into their designs. It gives them dependable control over these robots’ electronic workings without producing too much heat or taking up unnecessary space within their frames—which is immensely important for compact robots like those found at home cleaning devices that need all the extra space inside them!

Solar Energy Conversion

Solar energy conversion involves somewhat complex processes to efficiently send specialized current between two different points – something that planar transformers excel at. Its unique design makes it perfect too for taking advantage of solar energy as more solar panels go up every year around our globe, thus providing a lasting solution that requires no maintenance outside initial installation and commission costs!

Battery Chargers & Other Electrical Devices

Planar transformers make great charger units because they provide a reliable amount of electricity during charge cycles and strong sufficiency during discharging operations, too – all within an efficient package that optimizes space. The affordability and ready availability also add even further appeal to battery chargers & other small electrical devices using them. Despite how technologically advanced these transformers are, they remain affordable. 

Medical Devices

Medical devices must have great power supplies that won't cause any harm to the patient or surrounding environment, so planar transformers are perfect for this task. They deliver consistent electric current levels and have safety mechanisms built-in, making them ideal for use within medical equipment. Plus, their small size is an excellent advantage in smaller medical devices such as scopes and probes. 

Why Choose Payton Planar?

We design our Payton Planar transformers with the highest quality materials and components available, providing reliable performance and long-term durability. Our design team works closely with customers to ensure we tailor each planar transformer to meet your specifications and needs. Contact us today to learn more about our range of planar transformers and how they can help your business succeed.