Understanding Soft Ferrites: Basics and Composition

What are soft ferrites?

Ferrites are ceramic compounds composed from combination of iron oxide (Fe2O3) with other metal oxides. They are classified into hard ferrites and soft ferrites based on their magnetic properties. 
Soft ferrites are made from soft magnetic material, which is a combination of iron oxide and metal oxides such as nickel, zinc, or manganese. The composition varies depending on required magnetic properties and end application. 
Soft ferrite cores are well suited for use in high frequency applications like transformers, inductors, and electromagnetic suppression components due to their high electrical resistivity and low magnetic coercivity.
Two primary types of soft ferrite material include:

• Manganese-Zinc Ferrites (MnZn) – These ferrite materials have high permeability and are used in applications such as inductors for power supplies and transformers for power conversion. 
• Nickel-Zinc Ferrites (NiZn) – Nickel-Zinc ferrites have higher resistivity and are used for high frequency applications such as EMI filters and inductors for radio frequency applications. 

What are the magnetic properties that make soft ferrites distinct from other materials?

Magnetic properties that makes soft ferrites distinct from other materials include: 

1. Low Coercivity – Soft ferrite cores have low coercivity. They are easily magnetized and demagnetized and are ideal for applications where magnetic fields change rapidly. 
2. High Permeability - Permeability refers to the ability of a material to allow the passage of magnetic lines of flux. It is a measure of how easily a material can become magnetized. Soft ferrites have high permeability, and they efficiently concentrate and guide magnetic flux to enhance the performance of transformers and inductors. 
3. High Resistivity – Soft ferrites have high resistivity which helps in preventing eddy current buildup which contributes to energy losses. This makes them suitable for applications involving altering currents. 
4. Low Hysteresis Losses – The loss encountered due to magnetization and demagnetisation of core is termed as hysteresis loss. Soft ferrite core’s ability to change magnetic direction leads to minimum energy loss during the magnetization and demagnetization cycles. They are efficient in applications which require repeated magnetic field changes. 

What is the role of soft ferrites in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and suppressing high-frequency noise? 

Soft Ferrite cores play a crucial role in mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and suppressing high-frequency noises in electronic circuits. Their unique magnetic properties make them indispensable in electronics that require robust EMI suppression. They are used as in different shapes and sizes to absorb and dissipate electromagnetic energy. They attract and absorb magnetic flux due to high permeability and confine and control magnetic fields associated with high frequency signals. These cores also effectively supress high frequency noises by preventing eddy currents. 

What is Cosmo Ferrites?   

Est in 1986, Cosmo Ferrites is one of the leading and largest soft ferrite manufacturer and exporters in India that focuses on quality, productivity, and environment.  
With state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturers of Europe, rigorous quality standards and well-equipped in-house R&D set up, Cosmo ensures delivery of high-quality ferrites to customers along with continuous product up-gradation.  Our Core are backed with ISO Accreditation and are thoroughly tested to provide a consistent quality and exceptional performance. 
For more details on our exceptional range of soft ferrite products please connect with our experts today!