Alan Horowitz wrote:

John Popelish wrote

Microwave oven transformers operate with parts of the core very nearly
saturated during parts of the cycle [...]


why are they designed that way?

Probably to save money on the core -- the oven will cost a few cents
less to make, a few dollars less to buy, then you pay that all back to
the power company as your kitchen gets hot. It would also add a modicum
of voltage regulation to the thing, but I doubt that's the reason.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com