RF Toolbox

Ferrite Bead / Choke

A ferrite bead is a lossy inductor used to suppress high-frequency noise. Below its ferrimagnetic resonance it looks inductive (Z ≈ ωL); near and above resonance the ferrite becomes lossy and the impedance is mostly resistive, dissipating the noise. This tool gives a first-order estimate from a simple series R–L model, or converts a datasheet impedance-at-frequency point into an equivalent inductance. Approximate — real beads are described by a frequency-dependent complex permeability; always check the datasheet Z(f) curve.

Equations & Parameters ▸
\(X_L=2\pi f L \qquad |Z|=\sqrt{R^2+X_L^2} \qquad L_{eq}=\dfrac{|Z|_{datasheet}}{2\pi f}\ (\text{if } R\ll X_L)\)
LLow-frequency inductance of the bead (µH).
RLoss resistance near resonance (Ω), optional.
fFrequency (MHz).
ZdsOptional datasheet impedance point (Ω) at the frequency above, giving the equivalent inductance.
Reference: Fair-Rite / Würth / TDK ferrite-bead application notes. Series R–L is a first-order approximation to the complex-permeability behaviour.
Inputs
µH
Below resonance
Ω
Resistive part
MHz
Operating pt
Ω
→ equiv. L
Results

Series R–L model

Reactance XL
Impedance |Z|

From datasheet

Equivalent inductance
Diagram