View A Transformer's Hysteresis Curve With An Ultra-

Simple Circuit
Dec 17, 1999Contributing Author | Electronic Design
A magnetic materials hysteresis curve is a powerful visual tool that can perform a
graphic analysis of a transformers behavior. Better-equipped laboratories employ a
hysteresis graph to view the actual curve. However, unless serious magnetic work is
being performed, the high-priced equipment needed for this approach is out of
reach for most engineers. ometimes a simple graphic representation is all thats
required, and the circuit e!plained here can fit the bill.
"he circuit relies on the fact that the magnetomotive force #H$ is a direct function of
the e!citing current, and the flu! density #B$ is the integral of the applied voltage. A
shunt resistor may measure the e!citing current, and %& accomplishes precisely
that '(ig. &). %&s value should be calculated to create a &*+- to ,++-m- drop peak-
to-peak at the ./"s rated current.
"o integrate the applied voltage, a series-%0 circuit consisting of %,, %1, and 0& is
employed. Assuming that the capacitive reactance at the operating frequency is
about &++ times smaller than the series resistor value, the voltage appearing across
the capacitor terminals will be a fairly accurate integration of the applied voltage.
"he resistor values need to be ad2usted slightly depending on the ac-line frequency,
as indicated in the schematic. 0& should be a polyester-film type. A *3 tolerance for
all components is sufficient.
%ounding up the test set is a -ariac with an isolated output, a dual-channel
oscilloscope with an 4-5 trace capability, and an ac voltmeter to accurately measure
the value of the applied voltage. "he scopes 4, 5, and common probes are
connected to the points indicated in the schematic. "he invert function on the
scopes #4$ channel should be used if available, otherwise a mirror image of the
hysteresis curve will appear. "he timebase should be set so that at least a complete
power cycle can be seen.
Before closing the main switch, ensure that the -ariac is turned completely down to
6ero. .ouble check that all of the secondary terminals are disconnected. "hen,
slowly increase the output voltage until the rated voltage value of the device under
test is reached. "he scopes vertical sensitivity controls may need to be ad2usted
along the way. A curve like the one shown should obtained '(ig. ,).
One word of caution: 7otentially dangerous voltages are present in this circuit. Any
e!posed voltage-bearing surfaces should be properly insulated, and a properly si6ed
primary fuse should always be employed. 8f your -ariac does not provide isolation,
a &9& isolation transformer will be required.