Inventors:
David Ratliff - Howell MI
Peter H. Burgher - Captiva FL
John Boomer - Howell MI
Assignee:
Marelco Power Systems, Inc. - Howell MI
International Classification:
G05F 170, H01F 2728
Abstract:
An apparatus for providing an electrically controllable inductor which uses a first and a second magnetic core (20, 24) spaced apart from one another. A DC bias coil (22) is wound on the first magnetic core (20). An inductor coil (26) is wound on both the first magnetic core (20) and the second magnetic core (24). The inductance seen at terminal connections (80, 82) of the inductor coil (26) is variable in dependence upon a magnitude of a flow of direct current through the DC bias coil (22). In one embodiment of the inductor, the first and the second magnetic core (20, 24) are each formed using a pair of U-shaped core segments (30, 32, 60, 62) located adjacent to one another. In this embodiment, the first and second magnetic core (20, 24) are located in an opposing relation to one another, with the DC bias coil (22) wound on inner legs (64, 72) of the first magnetic core (20) and the inductor coil (26) wound on inner legs (64, 72, 34, 44) of both the first and the second magnetic core (20, 24). A system is provided employing the electrically controllable inductor in combination with one or more other components (100).