How is a flyback transformer different than a regular transformer?
While the following is not always strictly true for TV and monitor flyback transformers, it is a nice overview: (From: Sivasankar Chander (siva@bond.bocaraton.ibm.com)). The main difference between a flyback transformer and a regular transformer is that a flyback transformer is designed to store energy in its magnetic circuit, i.e., it functions like a pure inductor, whereas a regular transformer is designed to transfer energy from its primary to secondary and to minimize stored energy. Secondly, a flyback transformer in its simplest form has current flowing either in its primary, or in its secondary (but not both at the same time). (This is more complicated in practice because of finite turn-off times for transistors and diodes, need for snubber circuits, etc). Thirdly, the reluctance of the magnetic circuit of a flyback transformer is usually much higher than that of a regular transformer. This is because of a carefully calculated air-gap for storing energy (it’s an inductor). Fourth
