1.Step-Down Transformer
Step down Transformer is used in both Electronics and Electrical domain. A step-down transformer converts the primary voltage level to a lower voltage across the secondary output. This is achieved by the ratio of primary and secondary windings. For step-down transformers the number of windings is higher across the primary side than the secondary side. Therefore, the overall winding ratio of primary and secondary always remains more than 1.
In electronics, many applications run on 5V, 6V, 9V, 12V, 24V or in some cases 48V. To convert the single phase power outlet voltage 230V AC to the desired low voltage level, Step Down transformers are required. In instrumentation as well as in many electrical types of equipment, Step-Down transformer is the primary requirement for the Power section. They are also used in power adapters and cell phone charger circuits.
In electrical, step down transformers are used in electrical distribution system which works on very high voltage to ensure low loss and cost-effective solution for long distance power delivery requirements. To convert the high voltage to a low voltage supply line, Step down transformer is used.
2.Step-Up Transformer
Step Up transformer is exactly opposite of the step-down transformer. Step up transformer increase the low primary voltage to a high secondary voltage. Again it is achieved by the ratio of primary and secondary winding ratio. For the Step Up transformer, the ratio of the primary winding and the Secondary winding remains less than 1. That means the number turns in secondary winding is higher than the primary winding.
In electronics, step up transformers often used in stabilizers, inverters etc where low voltage is converted to a much higher voltage.
A step-up transformer is also used in Electrical power distribution. High voltage is required for power distribution related application. Step up transformer is used in the grid to step up the voltage level before the distribution.
3.Isolation Transformer
Isolation transformer does not convert any voltage levels. The Primary voltage and the secondary voltage of an isolation transformer always remain the same. This is because the primary and the secondary winding ratio is always equal to the 1. That means the number of turns in primary and secondary winding is same in isolation transformer.
The isolation transformer is used to isolate the primary and secondary. As discussed previously, the transformer does not have any electrical connections between primary and secondary, it is also used as an isolation barrier where the conduction happens only with the magnetic flux. It is used for safety purpose and to cancel noise transfer from primary to secondary or vice-versa.
4.Iron Core Transformer
Iron core transformer uses multiple soft iron plates as the core material. Due to the excellent magnetic properties of iron, the flux linkage of the iron core transformer is very high. Thus, the efficiency of the iron core transformer is also high.
The soft iron core plates can be available in multiple shapes and sizes. The coils of the primary and secondary wound or wrapped on a coil former. After that, the coil former is mounted in soft iron core plates. Depending on the core size and shapes, a different type of core plates is available in the market. Few common shapes are E, I, U, L, etc. The iron plates are thin, and multiple plates are bunched together to form the actual core. For example, E type cores are made with thin plates with a look of letter E. Iron core transformers are widely used and usually heavier in weight and shape.
5.Ferrite Core Transformer
A ferrite core transformer uses a ferrite core due to high magnetic permeability. This type of transformer offers very low losses in the high-frequency application. Due to this, ferrite core transformers are used in high-frequency application such as in switch mode power supply (SMPS), RF related applications, etc.
Ferrite core transformers also offer a different type of shapes, sizes depending on the application requirement. It is mainly used in electronics rather than electrical application. The most common shape in the ferrite core transformer is E core.
6.Toroidal Core Transformer
Toroidal core transformer uses toroid shaped core material, such as iron core or ferrite core. Toroids are ring or donut shaped core material and widely used for superior electrical performance. Due to the ring shape, the leakage inductance is very low and offers very high inductance and Q factors. The windings are relatively short and weight is much less than traditional, same rating transformers.