SKIN OR SKIN EFFECT

The skin effect corresponds to an electromagnetic phenomenon that makes it difficult for
electromagnetic fields to penetrate or pass through conductive materials. It is explained or can be
represented by means of the MASWELL equations, and it is confirmed for conductor diameters
greater than 3 times the distance from the surface at which the charge circulates for the same
frequency. In a conductor, the circulation of a current is distributed on the surface of its section
according to the frequency. In direct or alternating current of very low frequency, the entire section
of the conductor conducts current in a homogeneous way. As the frequency increases, circulation
only occurs in the outer areas of the driver. At very high frequencies, only the outer surface conducts.

One way to mitigate this effect is to use the so-called litz yarn, consisting of a cable made up of many
small section conductors isolated from each other and joined only at the ends. In this way, an increase
in the effective driving area is achieved.

If the power is high there will be a great loss in the line due to the dissipation of energy in the
resistance of the same.

This phenomenon is very detrimental in transmission lines that connect high-frequency devices (for
example, a transmitter of radio with his antenna). Furthermore, it makes the effective or alternating
current resistance greater than the ohmic or direct current resistance. This effect is the cause of
the variation of the electrical resistance, in alternating current, of a conductor due to the variation
of the frequency of the electrical current that circulates through it.

It is also very negative in the behavior of coils and transformers for high frequencies, because it
damages the Q factor of the circuits resonant by increasing the resistance with respect to the
reactance.

Calculation of shallow depth

The surface depth of conductors is defined as the effective area through which current flows in the
conductor. It depends on the frequency, magnetic permeability and resistivity of the material; is
given in meters.