1. What is Series Inductance?

When inductors are connected in series, their total inductance is the sum of individual inductances. This is different from parallel connections where the reciprocal of the total inductance equals the sum of reciprocals of individual inductances.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the series inductance formula:

Where:

• \( L_{eq} \) — Equivalent series inductance (H)
• \( L_1, L_2, \ldots, L_n \) — Individual inductances (H)

Explanation: Unlike resistors in parallel or capacitors in series, inductors in series simply add up linearly.

3. Importance of Series Inductance Calculation

Details: Calculating equivalent inductance is crucial for circuit design, filter creation, and understanding energy storage in inductive circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter inductance values in henries (H). You can enter between 2 to 4 inductors. All values must be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does mutual inductance affect series calculations?
A: Yes, if inductors are coupled, the calculation becomes more complex with mutual inductance terms.

Q2: What's the difference between series and parallel inductors?
A: Series inductors add directly, while parallel inductors combine reciprocally (like parallel resistors).

Q3: Can I add more than 4 inductors?
A: The principle remains the same - just keep adding more inductors to the sum.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses henries (H), but you can enter millihenries (mH) or microhenries (µH) by converting (1 H = 1000 mH = 1,000,000 µH).

Q5: Does this work for AC circuits?
A: Yes, the equivalent inductance determines the overall reactance (X_L = 2πfL) in AC circuits.