Software Speeds Transformer Design For AC-DC Power Supplies

Focus:

Spurred by energy-efficiency regulations, switch-mode power supplies (SMPSs) are rapidly replacing linear power supplies even in relatively low-volume markets where the complexity of SMPSs has been a barrier to their adoption. This trend is aided by the development of integrated control ICs and design software, which has simplified power supply design for many applications. To illustrate the impact of a controller IC with optimized design software, this article will present an ac-dc power supply design example based on the TopSwitch-HX controller IC. Using the vendor's PI Expert design software, an optimized design will be generated including a transformer design complete with detailed instructions on its mechanical construction. Article includes discussion of high-frequency effects (skin effect and proximity effect) and thermal considerations that are relevant to transformer design; and steps typically required to design an SMPS transformer.

What you’ll learn:

• How to use Power Integrations' PI Expert to design the transformer for an ac-dc power supply based on the TopSwitch-HX controller IC

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Author & Publication:

Sameer Kelkar, Power Integrations, San Jose, Calif., How2Power Today, Mar 30 2010

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