In electronics and electrical work, just as in any industry, there myths and assumptions that become somewhat legendary, often making the choice of one particular type or model of component better than the competition. This is certainly true with the use of the toroidal transformer over stacked transformers, but is the hype really all that it is reported to be?
To understand if the toroidal design is really superior, it is important to do some comparisons. Remember, the toroidal transformer is a donut-shaped passive electronic component that can be made of a variety of magnetic core materials surrounded by copper wire or another type of wire.
The Size Factor
The use of toroidal transformer in often the music industry in speakers, in computers and in many different AC electrical components and devices. The effectiveness or the efficiency of the transformer can be determined by the type of winding, and it is not directly related to the size.
This means that in equipment where space is limited, the toroidal shape has a definite advantage over a stack. It is also important to realize that the design also includes both primary and secondary windings, and they are very uniform around the donut shape.
The Shape and Noise Relationship
The shape of the toroid and the specific uniformness of the windings reduces and almost completely eliminates the amount of electromagnetic radiation released. When this is low, there are fewer problems with EMR noise throughout the system, which is essential in music equipment, electronics and sensitive electronic devices.
The biggest reason why the toroidal transformer has become the go-to option in top quality sound systems and computers or electronics is because they produce virtually no “noise” at all. This not only enhances the sound quality, but it completely eliminates the problem with the hum that is so common with the stacked types of transformers.
This hum isn’t just a problem with music or sound equipment. It can also be very problematic in the lab and with medical equipment as well as office equipment, so keeping it silent is essential for a healthy and positive workplace.
Ease of Installation
Another reason that the toroidal transformer has become so popular is that it is easy to install. With just one screw, instead of four, it can be positioned within a speaker cabinet, in a computer system or anywhere it is needed.
With different sizes of the transformers, there may be a need for additional fasteners. However, as they are not stacked, they are much easier to install in any location within a system, not just in the traditional vertical orientation.
