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High Frequency Transformer EF16

Product Details
Performance
Features
Applications

* Product parameters

  • Operating frequency:10kHz-500KHz

  • Operating temperature:-40℃ to +125℃

  • Storage temperature:-25℃ to +85℃

  • Storage humidity:30 to 95%

* Product features

The EF16 (A = 16mm) transformer is an optimal solution for medium - power, high - frequency, high - isolation, and compact designs. With a power range of 3–25W, it features high efficiency, low temperature rise, reliable safety regulations, and mature manufacturing processes. It is suitable for various electronic devices with limited space that require a stable isolated power supply / drive / sampling.

* Typical application fields

  • Adapter / Charger: 5–24W low - power power supplies

  • Industrial / Industrial control: Isolated power supplies / drives for PLCs, sensors, and instruments

  • Communication / Network: Routers, optical modems, small - power PoE modules

  • Household appliances / LED: LED drivers, power supplies for small household appliance control boards

  • Automotive electronics (Automotive - grade): On - board auxiliary power supplies, BMS isolated sampling / drives

* Product standards

UL, RoHS, 3C, CQC

* Dimensions and specifications

EFsize.jpg

Type

Structure
Tурe

Dimension(mm)

Pin Row (mm)

Row Pitch

(mm)

OD Pin
(mm)

note

A

B

C

Pin

E

F

EF16-001

Horizontal

16.6

17.0

11.2

4+4

3.50

14.20

Φ0.6


EF16-002

Horizontal

16.6

17.0

11.2

4+4

3.50

14.20

Φ0.6


EF16-003

Horizontal

16.6

17.0

11.7

5+5

2.50

13.00

Φ0.6


EF16-004

Vertical

18.0

16.5

21.0

6+6

2.50

8.75

SQ0.6*0.6


* The above are the commonly used bobbin styles of the company.,Other styles are not included for the time being.,Welcome to consult. Our company can customize high - frequency transformers of various specifications according to customer requirements.




EF16 Transformer Performance Analysis
The EF16 is a widely used mid-power high-frequency transformer specification, featuring a larger core cross‑sectional area, superior power density, and enhanced heat dissipation compared to the EF12.6.
It typically covers a power range of 3–25 W and is suitable for high‑frequency switching power supplies from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, balancing isolation, efficiency, and cost. The following outlines its key performance characteristics.

I. Basic Electrical Performance

  • Operating frequency: 20 kHz – 1 MHz (most common: 50 kHz – 500 kHz)
  • Output power: 3 – 25 W (depending on topology, cooling, and frequency)
  • Insulation withstand voltage: Typically 1.5 – 3 kV AC / 1 min, meeting UL / VDE / IEC safety standards
  • Operating temperature range: –40 °C to +125 °C (core Curie temperature ≥210 °C)
  • Inductance: Customizable via turns ratio; typically tens of µH to a few mH (measured at 10 kHz / 100 kHz)
  • Leakage inductance: 30 – 80 µH (at 100 kHz; can be reduced with optimized winding structure)
  • DC resistance (DCR): Primary 0.1 – 5 Ω, secondary in the mΩ range (determined by wire gauge and turns)

II. Core and Magnetic Properties

  • Core specification: EF16 / E16/8/5 ferrite; common materials include PC40, N87, 3C90, etc.
  • Saturation flux density (Bs): 380 – 450 mT, resistant to saturation, suitable for wide‑input‑voltage designs
  • Core losses: Low iron loss at high frequencies, suitable for flyback, forward, LLC and other topologies
  • Adjustable air gap: Can be gapped as needed to stabilize inductance, avoid saturation, and reduce temperature rise

III. Losses and Efficiency

  • Copper loss: Optimized wire gauge/stranding minimizes skin effect; low DCR helps control temperature rise
  • Iron loss: Matched core material and operating point keep high‑frequency losses low
  • Typical efficiency: 88% – 94% (under full load with appropriate frequency and topology)

IV. Isolation and Safety Performance

  • Inter‑winding insulation: Insulating tape / bobbin isolation; creepage and clearance meet safety standards
  • Dielectric strength: 1.5 – 3 kV AC, suitable for isolating high‑voltage from low‑voltage circuits, driver/sensing isolation, etc.
  • Moisture/heat resistance: Optional epoxy potting enhances reliability and environmental ruggedness

V. Structural and Assembly Features

  • Moderate size: A‑dimension = 16 mm; offers significantly higher power than EF12.6 while remaining compact
  • Mounting options: Vertical/horizontal; standardized pinout compatible with through‑hole or SMT assembly
  • Improved heat dissipation: Larger core volume results in lower thermal resistance, supporting higher power density
EF16 Transformer Overview
The EF16 transformer is a high-frequency component positioned between small-size (e.g., EF12.6) and medium-power models. It is widely used in 3–25W isolated power supplies, driver circuits, and signal-sampling applications. The following analysis covers seven dimensions: structure/size, electrical performance, magnetic properties, loss/efficiency, isolation/safety, manufacturing feasibility, and application compatibility.

1. Structure and Size Characteristics

  • Size Positioning:
    A-dimension = 16 mm; a compact mid-power specification offering significantly higher power than EF12.6 while saving PCB space compared to larger cores like EFD20 or E25.
  • Typical Footprint (vertical): Approx. 18.0×14.0×18.0 mm (varies slightly by manufacturer), suitable for board-mounted power supplies where space is limited but power demand is higher.
  • Standardized Core and Bobbin:
    • Core: EF16/E16/8/5 ferrite – symmetrical, consistent assembly.
    • Bobbin: Vertical/horizontal options; standard pin spacing compatible with through‑hole and some SMT processes.
  • Thermal and Mechanical Robustness:
    • Larger core cross‑section lowers thermal resistance, reducing temperature rise at the same power level.
    • Tight core‑bobbin fit, combined with optional potting, improves resistance to shock, vibration, and moisture.

2. Electrical Performance

  • Power Range and Frequency Suitability:
    • Typical power: 3–25 W (mainly flyback, also suitable for forward, LLC, push‑pull, etc.).
    • Operating frequency: 20 kHz – 1 MHz, with mainstream use at 50 kHz – 500 kHz to balance efficiency and EMI.
  • Controllable Inductance and Leakage Inductance:
    • Inductance: Tens of µH to a few mH (measured at 10 kHz/100 kHz), precisely adjustable via turns and air‑gap.
    • Leakage inductance: 30–80 µH (100 kHz) – can be further reduced by layered tight‑winding or interleaving, improving loop stability and EMI control.
  • DC Resistance (DCR) and Current Capability:
    • Primary DCR: 0.1–5 Ω (determined by wire gauge and turns).
    • Secondary DCR: mΩ‑range, suitable for higher‑current outputs (e.g., 5 V/3 A, 12 V/1.5 A).
    • Wire gauge/strand count can be optimized to reduce copper loss and temperature rise.

3. Core and Magnetic Properties

  • Common Core Materials: PC40, N87, 3C90, etc. – low high‑frequency loss and good temperature stability.
  • Saturation Flux Density (Bs): 380–450 mT, suitable for wide input‑voltage ranges (e.g., 85–265 V AC).
  • Core Loss and Operating Point:
    • Hysteresis + eddy‑current losses perform excellently in the 50–500 kHz range, ideal for high‑efficiency switching supplies.
    • Optional air‑gap stabilizes inductance, prevents saturation, and reduces temperature rise and magnetic noise.
  • Temperature Characteristics:
    • Core Curie temperature ≥210 °C – maintains magnetization at high temperatures.
    • Operating temperature: –40 °C to +125 °C, meeting demanding environments (industrial, automotive, outdoor).

4. Loss and Efficiency

  • Copper Loss (Winding Loss):
    • Optimized wire gauge/stranding minimizes skin effect and keeps DCR low.
    • Multi‑strand/Litz‑wire options further reduce high‑frequency copper loss.
  • Core Loss (Iron Loss):
    • Matched material and operating point keep high‑frequency core loss low.
    • Proper flux‑density (Bm) design avoids oversaturation, which would increase temperature rise and reduce efficiency.
  • Typical Efficiency:
    • 88%–94% for 5–20 W flyback supplies at full load.
    • Light‑load efficiency remains good, suitable for applications with strict standby‑power requirements.

5. Isolation and Safety

  • Insulation Withstand Voltage:
    • Routine inter‑winding rating: 1.5–3 kV AC/1 min (some versions up to 4 kV AC).
    • Complies with UL, VDE, IEC, etc. – suitable for HV‑LV isolation, driver isolation, and signal‑sampling isolation.
  • Creepage and Clearance:
    • Bobbin structure + insulating tape/sleeving ensures safe distances, preventing breakdown and tracking.
  • Application Suitability:
    • Ideal for AC‑DC/DC‑DC isolated supplies, gate‑drive isolation, and current/voltage sensing.
  • Environmental Reliability:
    • Optional epoxy potting enhances moisture, dust, and salt‑spray resistance.
    • Suitable for long‑term operation in industrial control, communications, automotive, etc.

6. Manufacturing and Mass‑Production Features

  • Mature Winding Process:
    • Compatible with automatic winding machines; layered tight‑winding, interleaving, and sandwich winding are all feasible.
    • High consistency supports high‑volume production.
  • Assembly and Soldering Friendliness:
    • Standard vertical/horizontal pinout ensures stable through‑hole soldering; some versions support SMT reflow.
    • Tight core‑bobbin tolerances improve assembly efficiency.
  • Cost‑Effective:
    • Standardized cores and bobbins, mature supply chain, moderate cost.
    • Offers better cost‑performance than non‑standard EFD or E‑series cores of similar power.

7. Application Suitability

  • Consumer Electronics:
    • 5–24 W chargers/adapters (phones, tablets, small appliances).
    • Set‑top boxes, routers, fiber‑modem auxiliary power.
  • Industrial and Control Systems:
    • PLC, sensor, transmitter isolated power/drivers.
    • Instrumentation, measurement‑device analog/digital isolation.
  • Communications and Networking:
    • PoE low‑power modules, network‑card/communication‑module isolated power.
    • Server/switch auxiliary power, driver supplies.
  • Automotive Electronics (automotive‑grade versions):
    • On‑board charger (OBC) auxiliary power.
    • BMS isolated sensing, lighting/infotainment isolated drivers.
  • Lighting and Home Appliances:
    • LED driver power supplies (isolated, 5–20 W).
    • Smart‑lighting/dimming modules, small‑appliance control‑board power.
EF16 Transformer Application Scenarios
I. Consumer Electronics
  • Chargers/Adapters: 5–24W power supplies for mobile phones, tablets, small home appliances, and digital devices.
  • Networking Equipment: Auxiliary power supplies for routers, fiber modems, set-top boxes, and switches.
  • Smart Home: Isolated power supplies for smart outlets, gateways, cameras, and electronic locks.
  • Portable Devices: Isolated DC-DC converters for power banks, handheld devices, and Bluetooth speakers.
II. Industrial Control
  • PLCs, Industrial Control Boards, Relays, Solenoid Valves: Isolated drive circuits and auxiliary power supplies.
  • Sensors, Transmitters, and Meters: Signal isolation and auxiliary power supplies for instruments.
  • Industrial Communication: Isolation for RS485/CAN buses, analog/digital signal isolation sampling.
  • Motor Control: Isolated gate-drive power supplies for IGBT/MOSFET circuits.
III. Communication and Networking
  • PoE (Powered Device) low-power isolated power supplies.
  • Communication Modules, Network Cards, Optical Modules: Isolated power supplies.
  • Servers/Base Stations: Auxiliary and monitoring power supplies.
IV. Automotive Electronics (Automotive-grade)
  • On-board Chargers (OBC) and DC-DC Auxiliary Power Supplies.
  • Battery Management Systems (BMS): Isolated voltage/current sampling.
  • Automotive Lighting, Infotainment, Instrument Clusters, and Sensors: Isolated power supplies.
V. Lighting and Home Appliances
  • 5–20W Isolated LED Driver Power Supplies.
  • Smart Lighting, Dimming Modules, Motion-activated Lights: Control power supplies.
  • Small Appliances: Power supplies for control boards in fans, humidifiers, and coffee makers.
VI. Typical Circuits/Topologies
  • Flyback AC-DC/DC-DC Isolated Power Supplies.
  • Forward, Push-Pull, Half-Bridge Drive Isolation.
  • Signal/Sampling Isolation and Gate-Drive Isolation.
  • Wide-Input-Voltage (85–265V AC) Low-Power Supplies.
Tianjin Sitong Electronic Co., Ltd
+86  022-58333948         +86  15202280664      +86 13802048970
admin@e-sitong.com
Add:12-2-501, Research & Innovation IndustrialPark, LDUV, Shuanggang Jinnan District, Tianjin, China 300350