Energy storage chokes

Inductive components for smoothing the D.C. output current (for example: in switch-mode power supplies).



A choke is an inductor designed to have a high reactance to a particular frequency when used in a signal-carrying circuit. Choke coils are inductances that isolate AC frequency currents from certain areas of a radio circuit. Chokes depend upon the property of self-inductance for their operation. They are used to block alternating current while passing direct current. Common-mode choke coils are useful in a wide range of prevention of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) from power supply lines and for prevention of malfunctioning of electronic equipment.

Types and construction
Chokes used in radio circuits are divided into two classes – those designed to be used with audio frequencies, and the others to be used with radio frequencies. Audio frequency coils, usually called A.F. chokes, can have ferromagnetic iron cores to increase their inductance. Chokes for higher frequencies (ferrite chokes or choke baluns) have ferrite cores. Chokes for even higher frequencies have air cores. Radio frequency coils, (R.F. chokes), usually don't have iron cores. In high power service so much heat would be produced in making and destroying the field in the core that the coil would burn up.