What are the differences between inductors and ferrite beads?

The connections and differences between inductors and ferrite beads are as follows:

1. Inductors are energy storage components, while ferrite beads are energy conversion (dissipation) devices.

2. Inductors are commonly used in power supply filtering circuits, whereas ferrite beads are mainly used in signal circuits for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) countermeasures.

3. Ferrite beads are primarily used to suppress electromagnetic radiation interference, while inductors focus more on suppressing conducted interference in this aspect. Both can be used to deal with EMC and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) issues. There are two pathways for EMI: radiation and conduction. Different suppression methods are used for different pathways. The former uses ferrite beads, and the latter uses inductors.

4. Ferrite beads are used to absorb ultra-high-frequency signals. For example, in RF circuits, PLLs, oscillator circuits, and circuits containing ultra-high-frequency memory, ferrite beads need to be added to the power input part. Inductors are energy storage components used in LC oscillator circuits and low-to-medium-frequency filtering circuits. Their application frequency range rarely exceeds 50 MHz.

5. Inductors are generally used for circuit matching and signal quality control, typically in ground connections and power connections. Ferrite beads are used at the junction of analog ground and digital ground and also for signal lines.