Bobbin-Wound Transformers: Theory, Design, and Applications
Bobbin-wound transformers are essential components in various electronic applications, known for their efficiency and reliability. This comprehensive guide covers the theory behind bobbin-wound transformers, their design features, and their applications across different industries.
What is a Bobbin-Wound Transformer?
A bobbin-wound transformer is an electromagnetic device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. The winding is done on a cylindrical bobbin, which provides structural support and helps to minimize electromagnetic interference.
Theory Behind Bobbin-Wound Transformers
Bobbin-wound transformers operate based on Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary winding, it generates a magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary winding. Key concepts include:
- Magnetic Coupling: The efficiency of energy transfer between the primary and secondary windings depends on the magnetic coupling, which is influenced by the core material and design.
- Turns Ratio: The ratio of turns in the primary winding to the turns in the secondary winding determines the voltage transformation ratio.
- Core Material: The choice of core material (such as ferrite or silicon steel) affects the transformer's efficiency, frequency response, and overall performance.
Design Features of Bobbin-Wound Transformers
- Compact Size: The bobbin design allows for a compact transformer footprint, making it suitable for space-constrained applications.
- Ease of Assembly: Bobbin-wound transformers are easier to assemble due to their integrated winding structure.
- Thermal Management: The design facilitates efficient heat dissipation, enhancing reliability and performance.
- Versatility: They can be designed for various power levels and frequency ranges, accommodating diverse application needs.
Applications for Bobbin-Wound Transformers
- Power Supplies
- Telecommunications
- Consumer Electronics
- Industrial Equipment
- Filter Circuits
Gowanda's Bobbin-Wound Transformer Solutions
At Gowanda Electronics, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-performance bobbin-wound transformers tailored to your specific requirements. Our capabilities include:
- Custom designs for unique applications
- Various core materials to suit different operating conditions
- Comprehensive testing for quality assurance
- Rapid prototyping to accelerate development cycles
Photo Gallery
This Bobbin Wound Power Transformer was built to mount on a chassis panel.

- Input Voltage: Dual Primary (2 x 115V)@60Hz
- Output Voltage: 2 x 80V @ 1A, CT. w/ CenterTap Windings
- Core Structure: E-I Lamination, SiFe, Interleaved
- Dimensions: 3-1/8″H x 3-3/4″W x 2-7/8″D
- Hole Spacing: 3-1/8″ x 2-7/8″, center to center
- Coating: Air Dry Varnish, 130ºC
- Unit weight: approximately 5 pounds.
- Part Number: 10-0134
This Bobbin Wound Transformer was built to mount on a printed circuit board using through-hole technology.
Basic Design: Unit has one “Trifilar” wound coil. Trifilar winding produces three coils which have nearly identical characterisitics.

- Turns Ratio: N1:N2:N3=1:1:1
- Inductance Rating: L1, L2, L3 = 58-71 uH @ 1kHz
- Core Structure: Ferrite PQ Core
- Coating: Air Dry Varnish, 130°C
- Unit Weight: Approximately 41.6 grams
- Part Number: 130-0033
Completed Custom Built Bobbin Wound Transformer designed for avionics test applications.

- Application: Timer Transformer
- Turns Ratio: NP:NS= 1:2.14
- Inductance: Lprimary (L1, L2, L3, L4) = 29-67 mH Lsecondary (L5, L6, L7, L8) = 136-308 mH
- Core Structure: Ferrite Pot Core
- Coating: Air Dry Varnish, 130°C
- Unit Weight: Approximately 20 grams
- Part Number: 70-0257
Conclusion
Bobbin-wound transformers play a crucial role in modern electronics, providing efficient energy transfer and versatility across multiple applications. Whether you need standard bobbin-wound transformers or custom solutions, Gowanda Electronics has the expertise to meet your requirements. Contact our team today to discuss your bobbin-wound transformer needs and experience the Gowanda difference in quality and innovation. This merged content combines essential information from both pages while optimizing it for SEO with relevant keywords, clear headings, and structured content.
Custom Products
Gowanda welcomes the opportunity to assist its customers with application-specific designs for a particular application where the requirements can not be met by off-the-shelf components.
Our capabilities in design, development, production and testing are extensive. If you are interested in custom products please contact us for assistance.