When inductors of different inductance are connected in parallel, how is the total inductance calculated?

When inductors of different inductance are connected in parallel, the total inductance is calculated using the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual inductance. This method reflects how inductance behaves in a parallel configuration, where the overall inductance is reduced compared to the individual inductances.

This principle is consistent with the behavior of similar electrical components, such as resistors, where parallel connections also result in a lower total value. The formula used, which is 1 / (1/L1 + 1/L2 + 1/L3 + ...), captures the combined effect of each inductor's ability to store magnetic energy, indicating that inductance diminishes when multiple paths for magnetic flux are available through parallel connections.

Understanding this calculation is vital in circuit design and analysis, particularly in applications within avionics where precise control and functioning of electronic systems depend on accurate inductance values.