High-frequency transformers operate using the same basic principles as standard transformers. The primary difference is that, as their name implies, they operate at much higher frequencies — while most line voltage transformers operate at 50 or 60 Hz, high-frequency transformers use frequencies from 20 KHz to over 1MHz.Operating at a higher frequency has many benefits, the first of which is size.For any given power rating, the higher the frequency, the smaller
the transformer can be.Second, because the transformer is smaller, less copper wire is needed, thus reducing the losses and helping to make the transformer more efficient. Also, since the core is typically ferrite, a wide variety of geometries are available so the transformer can be tailor-made for the application. Whether additional shielding or a specific form factor is required, the chances are good that a ferrite core exists to meet the requirement.