Topband: measuring transformer core inductance

Steve Flood flood at ixi.net
Thu Nov 13 18:36:54 EST 2003


I picked up an LCR meter for the main purpose of winding transformers and being able to nail down the actual inductance and transformation ratios.  The meter was advertised as "Frequency to 15MHz" but as it turns out it meant that it measures frequency rather than generates frequency.  It actually generates a 1 kHz signal for measuring inductance which probably makes it worthless for measuring inductance at 1.8 MHz.  Is this the case?  I read where core permeabilities change with freuquency.  My question to the group is what do you use to measure the inductance of the windings so you know when you reach the desired ratios?  I've had miserable luck doing it by formula and thought the meter would cinch it for me.

I cannot seem to locate website charts that show inductance/frequency curves for the cores on Amidon or Fair-Rite websites.  This would help to estimate where one needs to go when they wind up a core.

Any help here?  

Thanks, Steve KK7UV


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