Active Negative Inductor Based on Magnetic Flux

An active circuit is described that exhibits the equivalent reactance of a negative inductor. In contrast with previous techniques based on negative impedance converters, the negative inductance is produced by generating an opposing time-varying magnetic flux. The new circuit also enables the inductance to be electronically varied between negative and positive values, can enhance the Q, and defaults to a conventional positive inductor in the event of active component failure. The performance of a prototype with an inductance of -0.344 mH and operating over the frequency range 1-40 kHz is described.