Chapter 10
The Transformer
Transformers are used to “transform” an AC voltage to a higher or lower level. When you charge your cellphone, you use a transformer to reduce the 120 volts supplied by the wall outlet to the 5 volts or so needed to charge your cellphone's battery. Most electrical devices that you plug into wall outlets use transformers to reduce power coming from an outlet to that required by the electrical components in the device.
You can also use transformers to increase voltage. For example, some of the equipment used to manufacture integrated circuits requires thousands of volts to operate. Transformers are used to increase the 240 volts supplied by the power company to the required voltage.
When you complete this chapter, you will be able to do the following:
- Recognize a transformer in a circuit.
- Explain and correctly apply the concepts of turns ratio and impedance matching.
- Recognize two types of transformer.
- Do simple calculations involving transformers.
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