1. What is Parallel Wire Inductance?

Parallel wire inductance refers to the inductance between two parallel conductors carrying current. This is an important parameter in transmission line theory and high-frequency circuit design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the parallel wire inductance formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Inductance in henries (H)
• \( \mu \) — Permeability of the medium (H/m)
• \( l \) — Length of the wires (m)
• \( d \) — Separation between wires (m)
• \( r \) — Radius of the wires (m)

Explanation: The equation calculates the mutual inductance between two parallel conductors based on their physical dimensions and the medium's permeability.

3. Importance of Inductance Calculation

Details: Calculating parallel wire inductance is crucial for designing transmission lines, predicting signal behavior, and minimizing crosstalk in high-frequency circuits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in SI units. The default permeability value is for free space (μ₀ = 4π×10⁻⁷ H/m). Ensure separation is greater than twice the wire radius for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical range of values for parallel wire inductance?
A: For common applications, values typically range from nanohenries (nH) to microhenries (μH) per meter of wire length.

Q2: How does wire separation affect inductance?
A: Inductance increases logarithmically with increasing separation between the wires.

Q3: What if my wires have different radii?
A: The formula assumes identical wires. For different radii, use the geometric mean of the two radii.

Q4: Does this apply to twisted pair cables?
A: The formula is for straight parallel wires. Twisted pairs require different calculations due to their geometry.

Q5: What's the effect of the surrounding medium?
A: The medium affects the permeability (μ). For non-magnetic materials, μ ≈ μ₀, but magnetic materials will increase inductance.