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Engineering Medium #transformer#flux

Transformer Flux Linkage

Primary winding creates flux in the core; secondary winding picks it up. Voltage ratio = turns ratio.

A free, animated transformer flux linkage you can read here or embed on any website, from Scrollchart.

Transformer Flux Linkage

Transformer Flux LinkageFaraday's law in iron: shared core flux couples primary and secondary, V ratio = N ratioΦ (shared flux)alternating at supply frequency~V1supplyV2loadN1 = 1000primary windingN2 = 250secondary windingIdeal turns relationsV2 / V1 = N2 / N1I2 / I1 = N1 / N2here V2 = V1/4 = step-downReal-world lossesCopper (I^2 R) in windingsIron: hysteresis + eddy currentsFlux leakage out of coreTypical large transformer:98 to 99.5% efficientAlternating primary current creates oscillating flux in the iron, inducing EMF in every turn linked by that flux.EMF per turn is identical in primary and secondary, so total voltage scales with turn count: a = N1 / N2 sets the ratio.

A core with primary and secondary windings, flux loop traced through the iron. Voltage and current ratios annotated as functions of turns ratio. Real-world losses (copper, iron) labeled.

Good for

  • Power-electronics tutorials covering AC distribution and step-down design
  • Grid-infrastructure articles explaining why transformers enable HVDC and HVAC
  • EE coursework on Faraday's law and magnetic-circuit analysis

Source & accuracy

This transformer flux linkage is an editorial illustration built to represent the concept accurately. Where it shows figures, they are typical or representative values chosen to make the relationship clear, not a single underlying dataset. The diagram and its explainer are reviewed and maintained centrally, and updated over time as understanding improves.

Magnetic coupling between windings

Transformers rely on a shared magnetic flux created by the primary winding to induce voltage in the secondary winding. When alternating current flows through the primary coil, it generates a time-varying magnetic field in the iron core. This field threads through the secondary winding, inducing an EMF proportional to the rate of flux change, following Faraday's law of induction.

The turns ratio relationship

The voltage ratio between primary and secondary terminals equals the ratio of their turns: V_secondary / V_primary = N_secondary / N_primary. This ratio holds because both windings experience the same flux change, so their induced voltages scale with the number of turns. A step-down transformer reduces voltage (more primary turns) and increases current proportionally; a step-up transformer does the reverse.

Mutual inductance and coupling

Ideal transformers assume 100 percent coupling (all flux links both windings), but real transformers leak some flux, reducing efficiency. Leakage inductance appears as small series inductance in equivalent circuits. Laminated iron cores minimize eddy currents and core losses, and ferrite or amorphous cores offer superior high-frequency performance in switching supplies.

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Reference

What this is
A free, embeddable, animated transformer flux linkage for any website.
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Engineering blogs & docs.
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License
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URL
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Frequently asked questions

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