Looking for supplier of CCFL transformers (or similar)

[riccardo]

Hi,

I am looking for transformers for making some inverters. I want to convert 12V DC to about 400V using a royer oscillator. I was thinking the CCFL transformers looked ideal, but I can't seem to find one. They are all listed as spares for TV's etc, rather than the windings, pinout, voltages etc. I just bought this one...
**broken link removed**

.. but it has 8 input pins and I have no info on it.

I basically want a transformer with a single centre taped input winding, and a single output winding. If all else fails, I will have to get cores and make my own

 

[jpanhalt]

Search DigiKey for "CCFL transformer" will give more than 50 hits on 3 pages along with complete datasheets.

Where did you search?

John

 

[alec_t]

Don't know which country you're in, but here in the UK CCFLs are being promoted and are available in shops at as low a price as 10p (~20c US). So it's much cheaper just to buy a CCFL and harvest its transformer (which may suit, depending on the current you need).

 

[jpanhalt]

Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL)?

See: https://blog.pegasuslighting.com/2011/06/ccfl-vs-cfl-whats-the-difference/

CCFL's are much less common at big box home centers in the USA and are rarely used for home lighting.

John

 

[alec_t]

You're right .... I meant CFL. But a CFL may include something useful to the OP.

 

[jpanhalt]

I agree. CFL may have something useful, particularly if all he needs is a transformer and oscillator for relatively low voltage. In the US, stores that sell CFL bulbs collect discarded ones and often just have a large depository near the door. They may not be able to give them to you officially (excuse, "liability"), but they may not stop someone who just grabs a few.

John

 

[riccardo]

Thanks everyone,

The ones on Digikey are too small, bigger the better really. Something that could take a few amps input or more would be great. Perhaps this is too much when looking for CCFL ones. I was just hoping that something in mass production already would be cheaper to get.

I want to build the electronics part myself, so it is just the transformer I need. From what I see so far I think perhaps I should abandon this approach. The Royer is nice and simple and with low component count which is what made me choose this line. I am just wanting to make a compact and low cost high frequency inverter. The other way might be an SMPS, but this is a more complex and more expensive design.

 

[riccardo]

I've decided to have a go at winding a transformer. I found a nice big core and former at RS. Apparently it is good upto 300kHz
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/212-5016/

Regarding the winding, should I use litz wire for the primary? Just wondering if it worth the extra cost as I'm not sure how much performance gain I will get at <300kHz.

 

[BrownOut]

Regarding the winding, should I use litz wire for the primary? Just wondering if it worth the extra cost as I'm not sure how much performance gain I will get at <300kHz.

You won't get much performance gain. Your best bet is ordinary magnetic wire.