EEDC0203: Circuit Theory

Coupled Inductors

Dr. Krishanu Nath

1 Inductor
A time-varying current i passing through a coil of N turns produces the time-varying flux, ϕ. The direction
of the flux is given by the right-hand rule. If the right-hand fingers are wrapped around in the direction of
current, the thumb points in the direction of the magnetic flux, ϕ. With reference to Fig. 1, by Faraday’s law
of electromagnetic induction, the electromotive force (emf) is given by
dϕ
v=N (1)
dt
dϕ di
=N · (2)
di dt
di
=L (3)
dt
d(N ϕ)
where L = N dϕ
di = di is the self inductance of the coil.

Figure 1: Flux from N -turn coil.

For the linear magnetic medium, the inductance will be given by

Nϕ
L= (4)
i
or

Li = N ϕ = flux linkage with N turns (5)

2 Coupled-Inductors
Consider two coils are wound on a magnetic core as shown in Figure A.2. The coil 1 has N1 turns and coil 2
has N2 turns. The coil 1 is excited by the current i1 while coil 2 is excited by the current i2 . The v1 and v2 are
the induced voltages across coil 1 and coil 2 respectively.
The variables are defined as:
• ϕ12 is the flux confined to the core linking both coil 1 and coil 2 when coil 1 is excited by i1 while coil 2 is
kept open circuited. The direction of ϕ is determined by right-hand rule.
• ϕ11 is the leakage flux of coil 1 which does not link coil 2.
0
These notes are derived from standard textbooks and assembled as course material. They are intended solely for educational
purposes and not for commercial use.

1
 Figure 2: Coupled-inductors.

• ϕ21 is the flux confined to the core linking both coil 1 and coil 2 when coil 2 is excited by i2 while coil 1 is
kept open circuited.
• ϕ12 is the leakage flux of coil 2 which does not link coil 1.
It is clear that
ϕ1 = ϕ12 + ϕ11 , (6)
ϕ2 = ϕ21 + ϕ12 . (7)
Now when coil 1 is excited by i1 and coil 2 is kept open circuited, the induced voltages across coil 1 and coil
2 are:

d dϕ1
v1′ = N1 (ϕ12 + ϕ11 ) = N1 , (8)
dt dt
dϕ12
v2′ = N2 . (9)
dt
Similarly, when coil 2 is excited by i2 and coil 1 is kept open circuited, the induced voltages across coil 1
and coil 2 are:

dϕ21
v1′′ = N1 , (10)
dt
d dϕ2
v2′′ = N2 (ϕ21 + ϕ12 ) = N2 . (11)
dt dt
Thus, by superposition

v1 = v1′ + v1′′ (12)

dϕ1 dϕ21
= N1 + N1 (13)
dt dt
d d
= (N1 ϕ1 ) + (N1 ϕ21 ) (14)
dt dt
By letting (on the basis of Eqn. (5))

N1 ϕ1 = L11 i1 (15)
N1 ϕ21 = L12 i2 (16)
Thus

di1 di2
v1 = L11 + L12 (17)
dt dt
and

v2 = v2′ + v2′′ (18)

dϕ12 d
= N2 + N2 (ϕ21 + ϕ12 ) (19)
dt dt
d d
= (N2 ϕ12 ) + (N2 ϕ2 ) (20)
dt dt

2
 Again by letting

N2 ϕ12 = L21 i1 (21)

N2 ϕ2 = L22 i2 (22)

Thus

di1 di2
v2 = L21 + L22 (23)
dt dt
The common mutual flux passes through the same reluctance, thus

L12 = L21 = M (24)

where M is called mutual inductance.

Now from Eqn. (17) and Eqn. (23), we can write finally

di1 di2
v1 = L1 +M (25)
dt dt
di1 di2
v2 = M + L2 (26)
dt dt
Here L1 = L11 and L2 = L22 are always positive, but M may be positive or negative.
2.1 Coefficient of Coupling
The coefficient of coupling k is defined as the ratio of common flux to total flux produced by either coil. The
value of k depends on the closeness and orientation of the two coils mutually coupled. Mathematically,
ϕ12 ϕ12
k= = (27)
ϕ12 + ϕ11 ϕ1
⇒ ϕ12 = kϕ1 (28)

and
ϕ21 ϕ21
k= = (29)
ϕ21 + ϕ12 ϕ2
⇒ ϕ21 = kϕ2 (30)

Equations (15) and (16) now will become

N1 ϕ1 = L1 i1 (31)
N2 ϕ12 = M i1 (32)

Thus,
M N2 ϕ12
= (33)
L1 N1 ϕ1

Similarly, equations (22) and (23) will be

N2 ϕ2 = L2 i2 (34)
N2 ϕ21 = M i2 (35)

Thus,
M N1 ϕ21
= (36)
L2 N2 ϕ2

3
From equations (33) and (36), we have

M M
× = k2 (37)
L1 L2
and
|M |
k=√ (38)
L1 L2
where 0 ≤ k ≤ 1.
The maximum value of k is unity. When k = 1, the two inductors are perfectly coupled. When k = 0, there
is no coupling. The sign of M between two coils may easily be determined as:
• If directions of ϕ1 and ϕ2 are same, M will be positive.
• If directions of ϕ1 and ϕ2 are opposite to each other, M will be negative.
Special Cases of Mutual Inductance

Figure 3: Mutual inductance when fluxes ϕ1 and ϕ2 are aiding.

In Fig. 3, by right-hand rule, the directions of ϕ1 and ϕ2 are the same (aiding). Thus M will be positive
and the terminal equations are:

di1 di2
v1 = L1 +M (39)
dt dt
di1 di2
v2 = M + L2 (40)
dt dt
—

Figure 4: Mutual inductance when fluxes ϕ1 and ϕ2 are opposing.

In Fig. 4, by right-hand rule, the directions of ϕ1 and ϕ2 are opposite to each other. Thus M will be negative
and the terminal equations are:

di1 di2
v1 = L1 −M (41)
dt dt
di1 di2
v2 = −M + L2 (42)
dt dt

4
Dot Convention in Coupled Inductors
In the symbolic representation of coupled-inductors, dots are used to indicate the polarity of the induced
voltage. According to dot conventions:
• A current entering a dotted terminal of one inductor produces an induced voltage across the second
inductor which is positive (+) at the dotted terminal.
• A current leaving a dotted terminal of one inductor produces an induced voltage across the second
inductor which is negative (–) at the dotted terminal.
Figure A.3 shows the coupled-inductors and its polarity of mutual voltage with different dot-placements.
Figure A.4 shows the coupled-inductors and its terminal equations with different dot-placements. Figure A.5
shows the coupled-inductors and its equivalent circuit with different dot-placements.
—

Figure 5: Coupled inductors with dot convention (case 1).

5
3 Example Problems
Example 1
Determine the Leq for the following circuits shown in Fig. 6

Figure 6: Figure for example 1

6
Solution
(a) Series Aiding Connection
By KVL in the above left circuit of Fig. A.3.1(a),

v(t) = v1 + v2 (43)
di di di di
   
= L1 + M + L2 + M (44)
dt dt dt dt

di
= L1 + L2 + 2M (45)
dt
Thus,

v(t)
= L1 + L2 + 2M (46)
di/dt

From the equivalent circuit,

di
v(t) = Leq (47)
dt
Therefore,

Leq = L1 + L2 + 2M (48)

—
(b) Series Opposing Connection
By KVL in the above left circuit of Fig. A.3.1(b),

v(t) = v1 + v2 (49)
di di di di
   
= L1 − M + L2 − M (50)
dt dt dt dt

di
= L1 + L2 − 2M (51)
dt
Thus,

v(t)
= L1 + L2 − 2M (52)
di/dt

From the equivalent circuit,

di
v(t) = Leq (53)
dt
Therefore,

Leq = L1 + L2 − 2M (54)

(c) Parallel Opposing Connection

By KVL in the above left circuit of Fig. A.3.1(c),

di1 di2
L1 +M = v(t) (55)
dt dt
di1 di2
M + L2 = v(t) (56)
dt dt
In matrix form,
 
" # di1 " #
L1 M  dt  = 1 v(t) (57)

M L2  di2  1
dt

7
 Thus,
 
di1
1
" #" #
 dt  L2 −M 1
 di2  = L L − M 2 −M 1
v(t) (58)
 
1 2 L1
dt
We find
di1 L2 − M
= v(t) (59)
dt L1 L2 − M 2
di2 L1 − M
= v(t) (60)
dt L1 L2 − M 2
Total current is
di di1 di2
i = i1 + i2 , = + (61)
dt dt dt
L2 − M L1 − M
= v(t) + v(t) (62)
L1 L2 − M 2 L1 L2 − M 2
L1 + L2 − 2M
= v(t) (63)
L1 L2 − M 2
Thus,

v(t) L1 L2 − M 2
= (64)
di/dt L1 + L2 − 2M

From the equivalent circuit,

L1 L2 − M 2
Leq = (65)
L1 + L2 − 2M
—
(d) Parallel Aiding Connection
By KVL in the above left circuit of Fig. A.3.1(d),

di1 di2
L1 −M = v(t) (66)
dt dt
di1 di2
−M + L2 = v(t) (67)
dt dt
In matrix form,
 
" # di1 " #
L1 −M  dt  = 1 v(t) (68)

1

−M L2  di2 
dt
Thus,
 
di1
1
" #" #
 dt  L2 M 1
 di2  = L L − M 2 M L 1
v(t) (69)
 
1 2 1
dt
We find
di1 L2 + M
= v(t) (70)
dt L1 L2 − M 2
di2 L1 + M
= v(t) (71)
dt L1 L2 − M 2

8
 Total current is
di di1 di2
= + (72)
dt dt dt
L2 + M L1 + M
= v(t) + v(t) (73)
L1 L2 − M 2 L1 L2 − M 2
L1 + L2 + 2M
= v(t) (74)
L1 L2 − M 2
Thus,

v(t) L1 L2 − M 2
= (75)
di/dt L1 + L2 + 2M

From the equivalent circuit,

L1 L2 − M 2
Leq = (76)
L1 + L2 + 2M

Example 2
Write the mesh equation for the circuits shown in Fig. 7

Figure 7: Figure for example 2

Solution
Let the inductor voltages across L2 and L3 be vL2 and vL3 , then
di1 di3
vL2 = L2 +M (77)
dt dt
di3 di1
vL3 = L3 +M (78)
dt dt
The mesh equations are
1
Z
Mesh 1: − V0 + (i1 − i2 ) dt + vL2 = v1 (t) (79)
C
di2 1
Z
Mesh 2: L1 + R1 i2 + V0 + (i2 − i1 ) dt = 0 (80)
dt C
Mesh 3: R2 i3 + v2 (t) + vL3 = 0 (81)

Substituting (77)–(78) in (104)–(81) gives

1 di1 di3
Z
−V0 + (i1 − i2 ) dt + L2 +M = v1 (t) (82)
C dt dt
di2 1
Z
L1 + R1 i2 + V0 + (i2 − i1 ) dt = 0 (83)
dt C
di3 di1
R2 i3 + v2 (t) + L3 +M =0 (84)
dt dt

9
 Figure 8: Figure for example 3

Example 3
Write the mesh equation for the circuits shown in Fig. 8
Solution
From given circuit, the voltages across the coupled inductors are
di1 di2 di3
v1 = L1 − M12 − M13 (85)
dt dt dt
di2 di1 di3
v2 = L2 − M21 − M23 (86)
dt dt dt
di3 di1 di2
v3 = L3 − M31 − M32 (87)
dt dt dt
—
By KVL, the mesh equations are:

Mesh 1: R1 (i1 + i2 + i3 ) + v1 = vs (t) (88)

Mesh 2: v2 + R2 i2 − v1 = 0 (89)
1
Z
Mesh 3: v3 + i3 dt − R2 i2 − v2 = 0 (90)
C
Putting the values of v1 , v2 , and v3 in the above equations will give the required mesh equations.
Example 4
Write the mesh equation for the circuits shown in Fig. 9

Figure 9: Figure for example 4

Solution
From circuit given, the voltages across the coupled inductors are

di1 d(i1 − i2 ) di3

v 1 = L1 + M12 − M13 (91)
dt dt dt
d(i1 − i2 ) di1 di3
v 2 = L2 + M21 − M23 (92)
dt dt dt
di3 di1 d(i1 − i2 )
v 3 = L3 − M31 − M32 (93)
dt dt dt
—

10
By KVL, the mesh equations are

Mesh 1: R1 i1 + v1 + v2 + R2 (i1 − i2 ) = vs1 (94)

Mesh 2: v3 + R2 (i2 − i1 ) − v2 = −vs2 (95)

—
Putting the values of v1 , v2 , and v3 in the above equations will give the required mesh equations.
Example 5
Calculate the phasor currents I1 and I2 in the circuit of Fig. 10 The source is 12∠0◦ V.

Figure 10: Figure for example 5

Solution
For loop 1, KVL gives

−12 + (−j4 + j5)I1 − j3 I2 = 0 (96)

or

jI1 − j3 I2 = 12. (97)

For loop 2, KVL gives

−j3 I1 + (12 + j6)I2 = 0. (98)

Hence
(12 + j6)
I1 = I2 = (2 − j4)I2 . (99)
j3

Substitute (99) into (97):

j(2 − j4)I2 − j3 I2 = 12 ⇒ (j2 + 4 − j3)I2 = 12 ⇒ (4 − j)I2 = 12. (100)

Therefore
12
I2 = = 2.91 ∠14.04◦ A. (101)
4−j

From (99) and (101),

I1 = (2 − j4)I2 = 13.01 ∠(−49.39◦ ) A. (102)

Example 6
Consider the circuit in Fig. 11. Determine the coupling coefficient and calculate the energy stored in the coupled
inductors at time t = 1 s if
v = 60 cos(4t + 30◦ ) V.

11
 Figure 11: Figure for example 6

Solution
The coupling coefficient is
M 2.5
k=√ = √ = 0.56 (103)
L1 L2 20
indicating that the inductors are tightly coupled.
To find the energy stored, we first determine the currents using the frequency-domain equivalent of the
circuit:

60 cos(4t + 30◦ ) ⇒ 60∠30◦ , ω = 4 rad/s,

5 H ⇒ jωL1 = j20 Ω,
2.5 H ⇒ jωM = j10 Ω,
4 H ⇒ jωL2 = j16 Ω,
1 1
F ⇒ = −j4 Ω.
16 jωC
Applying mesh analysis:

(10 + j20)I1 + j10I2 = 60∠30◦ (104)

j10I1 + (j16 − j4)I2 = 0. (105)

From (105),

I1 = −1.2I2 . (106)

Substituting (106) into (104):

I2 (−12 − j14) = 60∠30◦ ⇒ I2 = 3.254∠160.6◦ A, (107)

◦
I1 = −1.2I2 = 3.905∠ − 19.4 A. (108)

In the time domain,

i1 (t) = 3.905 cos(4t − 19.4◦ ),

i2 (t) = 3.254 cos(4t + 160.6◦ ).

At t = 1 s, 4t = 4 rad = 229.2◦ :

i1 = 3.905 cos(229.2◦ − 19.4◦ ) = −3.389 A,

i2 = 3.254 cos(229.2◦ + 160.6◦ ) = 2.824 A.

The total energy stored in the coupled inductors is

1 1
w = L1 i21 + L2 i22 + M i1 i2
2 2
1 1
= (5)(−3.389)2 + (4)(2.824)2 + 2.5(−3.389)(2.824)
2 2
= 20.73 J. (109)

12