Litz Wire
Basic Litz Wire — QALZOptimized for High-Frequency Performance
Stranded construction mitigates skin and proximity effects, reducing AC losses in transformers, inductors, and wireless charging systems.
In any AC conductor, current density concentrates near the surface as frequency increases — a phenomenon known as the skin effect. At 100 kHz, the skin depth in copper is just 0.21mm, meaning a solid conductor uses only a fraction of its cross-section. Litz wire solves this by subdividing the conductor into many individually insulated strands, each sized at or below the skin depth at the operating frequency.
The proximity effect — where alternating magnetic fields from adjacent conductors induce eddy currents and force current into narrow strips — is mitigated through controlled twist pitch and strand transposition. Each strand occupies every radial position for an equal proportion of its length, equalizing reactances and distributing current uniformly across all strands. The individual enamel insulation on each strand prevents inter-strand eddy current loops.
Skin Effect Mitigation
Each strand is sized at or below the skin depth at the target frequency, ensuring current flows through nearly the entire cross-section — keeping the AC/DC resistance ratio close to unity.
Proximity Effect Control
Controlled twist pitch ensures every strand occupies each radial position equally, equalizing flux linkages and preventing current crowding between adjacent conductors.
AC Loss Reduction
At 100 kHz, a properly designed litz wire can reduce AC resistance by up to 18x compared to an equivalent solid conductor, dramatically lowering copper losses.
Optimized Strand Construction
Available in bunched (Type 1) and multi-stage cabled (Type 2) constructions with sub-bundle groupings of 3–5 for homogeneous current distribution.
YIDA's Basic Litz Wire is available with 5 to 2,000 individual strands and single wire diameters from 0.04mm (#46 AWG) to 0.8mm (#20 AWG), covering optimal operation from 1 kHz through 1.4 MHz. Strand gauge is matched to the target frequency — finer strands for higher frequencies — while strand count is selected to meet current capacity requirements.
Technical Specifications
Basic Litz Wire Specifications
QALZ — Standard Litz Wire with polyurethane insulation.
Technical Properties of Basic Litz Wires
| Properties | For High Frequency Applications | For Heating Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | High | Medium |
| Resistance | Medium | High |
| Tensile Strength | Low – Medium | High |
| Looping Behaviour | Low | High |
| Splicing | Medium | High |
| Bending Cycle Performance | High | High |
| Typical Conductor Material | Copper | Copper, alloys |
| Typical Wire Insulation | Polyurethane, polyester-imide | Polyurethane |
QALZ — Standard Litz Wire Dimensions
| Number of Strands | Single Wire (mm) | Single Wire (AWG) | Outer Diameter (mm) | Outer Diameter (AWG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 2000 pcs | 0.04 – 0.8 | #20 – #46 | 0.2 – 4.2 | #6 – #32 |
Applications
Basic litz wire is used in high-frequency transformers, resonant inductors, wireless charging coils, induction heating equipment, solar inverters, switching power supplies, and RF amplifiers. Its unserved construction provides maximum flexibility and the smallest possible outer diameter, making it ideal for compact winding geometries where space is at a premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What applications use basic (unserved) litz wire?+
How do I select the right strand count for my frequency?+
What insulation options are available for basic litz wire?+
Can YIDA produce custom litz wire configurations?+
YIDA Wire has manufactured enameled copper wire since 1984. IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and UL certified. Trusted by industry leaders across 50+ countries. Contact us for specifications →