Common Mode Chokes for EVs 2023

Designing a circuit requires various set of electrical components that drives the circuit to perform efficiently.

With the integration of electronic circuits in next-generation vehicles, knowledge of these components has become essential.

Focused on chokes or inductors to deliver, alter, and filter electrical current, let’s discuss What are Common Mode Chokes and How are they different from Power Supply Chokes?

Starting the discussion with chokes and inductors, a designer should know key similarities and differences between both of these passive electrical components.

Despite being passive electrical components that consist of a coil of wire wound around a magnetic core, chokes and inductors share some differences.

Described as a passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it, inductor is made up of a coil of wire wound around a core made of a magnetic material, like iron.

They are typically used in electronic circuits for a variety of purposes, such as energy storage, filtering, and impedance matching.

A choke is a type of inductor that is specifically designed to block or attenuate high-frequency alternating current (AC) signals while allowing low-frequency AC and direct current (DC) signals to pass through.

The choke is constructed using a ferromagnetic core and a coil of wire. The coil of wire is wound around the core to create a magnetic field that opposes the flow of high-frequency AC signals. The inductance of the choke is higher than that of a typical inductor, which allows it to filter out high-frequency noise and ripple.

In short, chokes are specifically designed to block or attenuate high-frequency AC signals, while inductors are designed for a variety of purposes, such as energy storage, filtering, and impedance matching.

Common Mode Chokes is an inductor that is used to filter out common mode noise from a signal or power line.

Common mode noise is a type of noise that appears on both the positive and negative lines of a signal or power line, relative to the ground.

Common Mode Chokes are designed to reduce this noise by creating a high impedance to common mode currents while allowing the desired signal or power to pass through.

Power Supply Chokes, on the other hand, are electrical components that are used in power supply circuits to filter out unwanted high-frequency noise and ripple.

Power Supply Chokes are a type of inductor, used to filter out unwanted high-frequency noise and ripple from a power supply circuit.

It is usually placed in series with the power supply output to filter out the high-frequency noise and stabilize the DC voltage.

Common Mode Chokes are also used in electric vehicles (EVs) for various applications. Here are some examples of the applications of Common Mode Chokes for EVs include,

Naming some of the notable Power Supply Chokes & Common Mode Chokes for EVs include,

TDK Corporation offers a variety of power supply chokes, including the SPM-VT series of high-frequency Common Mode Chokes, which are designed to reduce noise and improve the efficiency of power supply circuits.

Vishay Intertechnology provides a range of power supply chokes, including the IHLP series of low-profile, high-current inductors, which are designed for use in a variety of power supply applications.

Coilcraft supplies power supply chokes as well as Common Mode Chokes for EVs, including the CMT Series of shielded power inductors, which are designed to provide high inductance and low resistance in a compact package.

Wurth Electronics offers a range of Common Mode Chokes, including the WE-CMB series of common mode power line chokes, designed for use in high-power applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

A global leader in electronics-based parts, Delta Electronics is a Taiwanese company that develops a range of electronic components and systems like the PFC Choke Series used in power supply.

This US-based company has a wide portfolio offering electrical components and systems for multiple segments including automotive. Offering power management solutions, Eaton supplies various series of inductors and Common Mode Chokes for EVs.