FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Your Questions Answered

At Gowanda Electronics, we understand that you may have questions about our products and services. This FAQ page provides detailed answers to common inquiries regarding our custom inductors, transformers, testing standards, and more. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact our team.

General Questions

Gowanda Electronics designs and manufactures high-performance standard and custom magnetic components, including:

 

  • Inductors
  • Transformers
  • Chokes
  • Coils
  • Other magnetic devices used in RF (Radio Frequency), microwave, power, and high-reliability applications.

 

Our components are engineered for use in industries such as military/aerospace, medical, telecommunications, and industrial electronics.

Gowanda provides a comprehensive selection of custom inductors designed to meet demanding application requirements:

  • Bobbin Wound Inductors
  • Chip Inductors (Surface Mount Technology)
  • Conical Inductors
  • Magnetic Amplifiers
  • Non-Magnetic Inductors
  • Surface Mount Inductors (SMT)
  • Toroidal Inductors

We specialize in engineering inductors to precise specifications including Q factor, inductance value, shielding, and current ratings.

Our custom transformer solutions are ideal for power management, signal isolation, and energy storage applications. Offerings include:

  • Bobbin Wound Transformers
  • Buck-Boost / Push-Pull Transformers
  • Common Mode Chokes
  • Current Transformers (CTs)
  • Flyback Transformers
  • Gate Drive Transformers
  • Power Transformers
  • Pulse Transformers
  • Split Core CTs
  • Surface Mount Transformers (SMT)
  • Switch Mode Power Supply Transformers
  • Toroidal Transformers
  • Trigger Transformers

Each transformer is built to meet unique electrical, mechanical, and environmental needs.

Gowanda part numbers often include a dash-number code that identifies the inductance value. Full product specifications—such as inductance range, rated current, DCR, and dimensions—are detailed in our technical datasheets, available on individual product pages.

Stay informed about Gowanda Electronics by:

  • Subscribing to our newsletter
  • Following us on LinkedIn and other social media
  • Checking our News or Blog section for the latest industry insights and product announcements.

Product Specifications

Gowanda uses standard 3-digit EIA codes to indicate inductance values:

  • 100 = 0.10 µH
  • 101 = 1.0 µH
  • 102 = 10 µH
  • 103 = 100 µH

Additional codes may be included to specify tolerance, packaging, or custom modifications.

Our date and lot codes ensure full traceability for manufacturing, quality control, and warranty purposes. This allows for accurate tracking of production batches and helps meet aerospace, military, and medical compliance requirements.

If a component is labeled “Outgassing Tested per ASTM E595,” it complies with the Total Mass Loss (TML) requirement of ≤1.0% as defined by NASA’s ASTM E595 standard. This is critical for components used in vacuum environments, such as space applications. Please note: the calculation excludes Water Vapor Recovered (WVR).

Yes. S-Parameters (scattering parameters) are available for select RF and broadband products.

  • Request S-Parameters directly from our engineering team
  • Access S-Parameter models via our partnership with Modelithics:
    View S-Parameter Models

Magnetic shielding helps contain magnetic flux within the inductor, reducing EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and improving circuit performance in dense PCB layouts.

 

Key benefits include:

  • Minimized interference with nearby components
  • Enhanced performance in sensitive analog and RF circuits
  • Improved inductance efficiency for a given footprint

Magnetic shielding is recommended when components are placed in close proximity or when compliance with EMC standards is necessary.

Tape and reel packaging options, specifications, and dimensions are listed on the respective product pages and datasheets. These ensure compatibility with automated pick-and-place equipment for SMT assembly.

If you need specific packaging options, contact our sales team for custom requests.

Gowanda offers full engineering support to develop inductors, transformers, or chokes tailored to your performance, environmental, or packaging requirements.

Compliance & Product Testing

Yes. Gowanda conducts ESD testing to AEC-Q200 standards for all AEC-qualified products to ensure durability, reliability, and longevity in sensitive electronic applications.

Most Gowanda products are RoHS-compliant, but not all are lead-free. Lead usage, if any, falls under RoHS exemptions or within allowable thresholds.

  • Add the suffix “LF” to your part number to specify RoHS-compliant versions.
  • Contact us for REACH and conflict minerals compliance documents if needed.

Gowanda components typically fall under EAR99 classification under U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR). While these parts don’t require a license in most cases, restrictions apply for:

  • Exports to embargoed countries
  • Transactions with prohibited end-users or end-uses

 

Always verify export requirements with your compliance department or contact us for guidance.

Gowanda products are designed and tested in compliance with a range of industry standards, including:

  • MIL-STD (Military Standards)
  • AEC-Q200 (Automotive Electronics Council)
  • Customer-specific standards for aerospace, medical, and defense applications

Yes. Our in-house environmental test laboratory performs rigorous testing, including:

  • Temperature cycling
  • Humidity exposure
  • Shock and vibration
  • Salt fog testing
  • Thermal aging

This ensures product reliability under extreme conditions.

Yes, all shipments include a Certificate of Compliance. If you require a specific format, please let us know when placing your order.

Industry Applications

We support a broad range of high-reliability sectors, including:

  • Military & Aerospace
  • Medical Devices
  • Telecommunications & Networking
  • Industrial Automation & Control
  • Space & Satellite Systems
  • Instrumentation & Test Equipment

Yes. Gowanda offers QPL-qualified components and custom designs certified to:

  • MIL-PRF specifications
  • AEC-Q200
  • Space-grade and medical standards

 

Visit our industry-specific pages for detailed qualification information.

Yes. Gowanda manufactures both surface mount and thru-hole non-magnetic inductors, ideal for:

  • MRI machines
  • Medical imaging equipment
  • Other magnetically sensitive applications

Ordering Lead Times & Returns

To request a quote:

  • Visit our Request for Quote page
  • Provide part numbers, quantities, and any custom specifications
  • You’ll receive a response from our sales team promptly

Products may be returned only with prior approval and a Return Material Authorization (RMA). Key return conditions:

  • Must be returned within 30 days of delivery
  • Items must not exceed the acceptable quality level (AQL)
  • Non-defective returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee or $25 minimum

 

Note: Custom parts are Non-Cancelable/Non-Returnable (NC/NR).

While some series have been discontinued, we:

  • We notify customers in advance when parts approach end-of-life (EOL)
  • Continue to support existing customers where possible
  • Offer recommended replacement parts with improved performance
  • Guide you to the replacement part automatically when searching the original part number on our website

Custom component lead times vary based on:

  • Design complexity
  • Production volume
  • Testing requirements

 

Contact our team directly to get an estimated delivery timeline.

Selecting the Best Part

Many of our transformers can be adapted for various circuit uses by considering different winding connections. However, it’s essential to evaluate multiple variables when adapting components designed for one application to another. For any additional questions or specific inquiries not covered here, please Contact Us directly. Our team is here to assist you!

Last Updated: August 2025

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