Grade

10

TLE-IA
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ASSEMBLY
AND SERVICING
QUARTER 2 – MODULE 6

TRANSFORMER
I INTRODUCTION
Transformer are widely used in all branches of electronics. One of their most well known
uses is in power applications where they are used to transform the operating voltage from one
value to another. They also serve to isolate the circuit at the output from a direct connection to
the primary circuit. In this way they transfer power from one circuit to another with no direct
connection.

Very large transformers are used on the National Grid to change the line voltages between
the different values required. However for the radio amateur or home enthusiast transformers are
commonly seen in power supplies. Transformers are also widely used in other circuits from audio
up to radio frequencies where their properties are widely used to couple different stages within
the equipment.

II MODULE CONTENT
TRANSFORMER
A transformer is an electrical device which, by the principles of electromagnetic induction,
transfer electrical energy from one electric circuit to another, without changing the frequency. The
energy transfer usually takes place with a change of voltage and current. Transformers either
increases or decreases AC voltage.
Transformer are used to meet a wide variety of needs. Some transformers can be several
stories high, like the type found at a generating station or small enough to hold in your hand,
which might be used with charging cradle for video camera. No matter what the shape or size, a
transformers purpose remains the same: transforming electrical power from one type to another.

How Transformers Work

It is important to remember that transformers do not generate electrical power; they

transfer electrical power from one AC circuit to another using magnetic coupling. The core of the
transformer is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux generated in the transformer
by the current flowing through the windings, which also known as coils.

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There are four primary parts to the basic transformer.
The parts include the Input Connection, the Output Connection, the Windings or Coils
and the Core.
• Input Connections - The input side of a transformer is called the primary side because
the main electrical power to be changed is connected at this point.
• Output Connections - The output side or secondary side of the transformer is where the
electrical power is sent to the load. Depending on the requirement of the load, the incoming
electric power is either increased or decreased.
• Winding - Transformers have two windings, being the primary winding and the secondary
winding. The primary winding is the coil that draws power from the source. The secondary
winding is the coil that delivers the energy at the transformed or changed voltage to the
load. Usually, these two coils are subdivided into several coils in order to reduce the
creation of flux.
• Core - The transformer core is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux
generated in the transformer. The core is generally not a solid bar of steel, rather a
construction of many thin laminated steel sheets or layers. This construction is used to
help eliminate and reduce heating.
Transformers generally have one of two types of cores: Core Type and Shell Type. These
two types are distinguished from each other by the manner in which the primary and
secondary coils are place around the steel core.
•
When an input voltage is applied to the primary winding, alternating current starts to flow
in the primary winding. As the current flows, a changing magnetic field is set up in the transformer
core. As this magnetic field cuts across the secondary winding alternating voltage is produced in
the secondary winding.

The ratio between the number of actual turns of wire in each coil is the key in determining
the type of transformer and what the output voltage will be. The ratio between output voltage and
input voltage is the same as the ratio of the number of turn between the two windings.

A transformers output voltage is greater than the input voltage if the secondary winding
has more turns of wire than the primary winding. The output voltage is stepped up, and
considered to be a "step-up transformer". If the secondary winding has fewer turns than the
primary winding, the output voltage is lower. This is a "step-down transformer".

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Transformer Configurations
There are different configurations for both single-phase and three-phase systems.
• Single-phase Power - Single-phase transformers are often used to supply power
for residential lighting, receptacle, air-conditioning, and heating needs. Single
phase transformers can be made even more versatile by having both the primary
winding and secondary winding made in two equal parts. The two parts of either
winding can then be reconnected in series or parallel configurations.
• Three-phase Power - Power may be supplied through a three-phase circuit
containing transformers in which a set of three single-phase transformers is used,
or on three-phase transformer is used. When a considerable amount of power is
involved in the transformation of three-phase power, it is more economical to use
a three-phase transformer. The unique arrangement of the windings and core
saves a lot of iron.
• Delta and Wye Defined - There are two connection configurations for three-
phase power: Delta and Wye. Delta and Wye are Greek letters that represent the
way the conductors on the transformers are configured. In a delta connection, the
three conductors are connected end to end in a triangle or delta shape. For a wye,
all the conductors radiate from the center, meaning they are connected at one
common point.
• Three-phase Transformers - Three-phase transformers have six windings;
three primary and three secondary. The six windings are connected by the
manufacturer as either delta or wye. As previously stated, the primary windings
and secondary windings may each be connected in a delta or wye configuration.
They do not have to be connected in the same configuration in the same
transformer. The actual connection configurations used depend upon the
application.
Power Transformer
A power transformer is used primarily to couple electrical energy from a power supply
line to a circuit system, or to one or more components of the system. A power transformer used
with solid state circuits is called a rectifier transformer. A power transformer's rating is given in
terms of the secondary's maximum voltage and current-delivering capacity.

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Autotransformer
The autotransformer is a special type of power transformer. It consists of a single,
continuous winding that is tapped on one side to provide either a step-up or a step-down function.
This is different from a conventional two-winding transformer, which has the primary and
secondary completely isolated from each other, but magnetically linked by a common core. The
autotransformer's windings are both electrically and magnetically interconnected.
An autotransformer is initially cheaper than a similarly-rated two-winding transformer. It
also has better regulation (smaller voltage drops), and greater efficiency. Furthermore, it can be
used to obtain the neutral wire of a three-wire 240/120-volt service, just like the secondary of a
two winding transformer. The autotransformer is considered unsafe for use on ordinary
distribution circuits. This is because the high-voltage primary circuits are connected directly to the
low-voltage secondary circuit.

Diagram of Autotransformer Actual Autotransformer

Isolation Transformer
An isolation transformer is a transformer used to transfer electrical power from a source
of alternating current (AC) power to some equipment or device while isolating the powered device
from the power source, usually for safety reasons. Isolation transformers provide galvanic
isolation; no conductive path is present between source and load. This isolation is used to protect
against electric shock, to suppress electrical noise in sensitive devices, or to transfer power
between two circuits which must not be connected. A transformer sold for isolation is often built
with special insulation between primary and secondary, and is specified to withstand a high
voltage between windings.
Isolation transformers block transmission of the DC component in signals from one circuit
to the other, but allow AC components in signals to pass. Transformers that have a ratio of 1 to 1
between the primary and secondary windings are often used to protect secondary circuits and
individuals from electrical shocks between energized conductors and earth ground. Suitably
designed isolation transformers block interference caused by ground loops. Isolation transformers
with electrostatic shields are used for power supplies for sensitive equipment such as computers,
medical devices, or laboratory instruments.

Diagram of Isolation Transformer Actual Isolation transformer

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This isolation is used to protect against electric shock

In Use
Transformers are widely used in many applications in radio and electronics. One of their main
applications is within mains power supplies. Here the transformer is used to change the incoming
mains voltage (around 240 V in many countries, and 110V in many others) to the required voltage to
supply the equipment. With most of today's equipment using semiconductor technology, the voltages
that are required are much lower than the incoming mains. In addition to this the transformer isolates
the supply on the secondary from the mains, and thereby making the secondary supply much safer. If
the supply were taken directly from the mains supply then there would be a much greater risk of electric
shock.

Different kinds of transformers

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 SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
III – ACTIVIT Y
SELF CHECK

ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Chose the letter of the best answer. Use another sheet of paper for your answer.
____ 1. Electronic/electrical device consisting of two or more coils coupled together by
magnetic induction.
A. Capacitor C. Resistor
B. Inductor D. Transformer
____ 2. The usual application is to convert the 220 AC line into lower secondary voltage.
A. Capacitor C. Resistor
B. Inductor D. Power transformer
____ 3. This refer to the input of the transformer where the main power source connected.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core
____ 4. This is the output side of the transformer where the load is connected.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core

____ 5. It is a metal or magnetic material placed inside the winding of the transformer to
intensify the induction process of the transformer.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core
____ 6. Usually made of plastic material, used to support the primary and secondary
windings.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core
____ 7. This transformer is used to decrease the line voltage.
A. Step-down transformer C. Step-up transformer
B. Isolation transformer D. three- phase transformer

____ 8. This type of transformer is used to protect against electric shock.

A. Step-down transformer C. Step-up transformer
B. Isolation transformer D. three- phase transformer

____ 9. It consists of a single, continuous winding that is tapped on one side to provide
either a step-up or a step-down function.
A. Autotransformer C. Step-down transformer
B. Step-up transformer D. Isolating transformer

____ 10. These type of transformers have six windings; three primary and three
secondary.
A. Step-down transformer C. Step-up transformer
B. Isolation transformer D. three- phase transformer

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ACTIVITY 2

MATCHING TYPE:
Directions. Match column A with column B.
A B
____ 1. These type of transformers have six windings; A. Bobbin
three primary and three secondary.

____ 2 Block transmission of the DC component in B. Isolation transformers

signals from one circuit to the other, but allow AC
components in signals to pass.

____ 3. These are widely used in many applications in C. Transformers

radio and electronics.

____ 4. Made of plastic material, used to support the D. three- phase transformer
primary and secondary windings.

____ 5. Part of the transformer where the main power E. Primary winding
source connected.

____ 6. This ____ is used to protect against electric shock. F. Step-down transformer
____ 7. This transformer is used to decrease the line voltage. G. Secondary winding
____ 8. Part of the transformer where the load is connected. H. Primary
____9. This refer to the input of the transformer where the I. Power transformer
main power source connected.
____10. This type of transformer is used primarily to couple J. Isolation
Electrical energy from a power supply line to a circuit
System.

How Much Have You Learned?

III. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Test I. Modified True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement is true and if false change the underlined word to make the
statement true. Use another sheet of paper for your answer.

____ 1. Isolation transformers provide galvanic isolation; no conductive path is present

between source and load.
____2. There are two connection configurations for three-phase power; Delta and Wye.

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____3. Transformer is used to change the incoming mains voltage (around 240 V in many
countries, and 500V in many others) to the required voltage to supply the equipment.
With most of today's equipment using semiconductor technology.
____4. Transformers are widely used in many applications in radio and electronics.
____5. Suitably designed isolation transformers block interference caused by ground loops.
____6. Step-down transformer is used to increase the line voltage.
____7. The usual application of power transformer is to convert the 220 AC line into lower
secondary voltage.
____8. Step-up transformer is used to decrease the line voltage.
____9. Very large transformers are used on the National Grid to change the line voltages
between the different values.
____10. Single-phase Power - Single-phase transformers are often used to supply
power for residential lighting, receptacle, air-conditioning, and heating needs.

TEST II . Multiple Choice Direction. Choose the letter of the best answer.

____ 1. This refer to the input of the transformer where the main power source connected.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core
____ 2. This is the output side of the transformer where the load is connected.
A. Primary winding C. Secondary winding
B. Bobbin D. Core
____ 3. This transformer is used to decrease the line voltage.
A. Step-down transformer C. Step-up transformer
B. Isolation transformer D. three- phase transformer

____4. This type of transformer is used to protect against electric shock.

A. Step-down transformer C. Step-up transformer
B. Isolation transformer D. three- phase transformer

____ 5. It consists of a single, continuous winding that is tapped on one side to provide
either a step-up or a step-down function.
A. Autotransformer C. Step-down transformer
B. Step-up transformer D. Isolating transformer

Test III. ESSAY QUESTION (5 Points each)

Direction: Copy the questions below and explain your answer.
1. What is a power transformer? Explain briefly its uses.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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2. What is the difference between step-up transformer and step- down transformer.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

10.I 10. D
9. H 9. A
8. G 8. B
7. F 7. A
6. J 6. B
5. E 5. D
4. A 4. C
3. C 3. A
2. D 2. D
1. B 1. D
ACTIVITY 2 ACTIVITY 1

KEY ANSWERS

REFERENCES
Books
Ebalan, Ambrosio E. 1998. Technology and Home Economics BASIC ELECTRONICS I , Third
Year,
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. : Quezon City, Philippines

Grob, Bernard. 1996. Basic Electronics , Seventh Edition, Glencoe/McGraw- Hill: 936 Eastwind
Drive
Westerville, OH 43081 , USA

Online Source
What are Transformers?
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBD_enPH780PH780&biw=1350&bih=636&sxsrf=AL
eKk03BGRE2ax58L2aPH69wy5Db3a0eaw%3A1605877673296&ei