The Shape Of Optimal Magnetics: Why Flatter Is Better

Focus:

Power loss in either the core or windings of transformers or coupled inductors causes a rise in temperature that may lead to breakdown in winding insulation or a change in the core’s magnetic structure. A design scheme that minimizes temperature rise prevents such damage to the windings or core, keeping the device within its safe operating limits. This article examines design optimality from the standpoint of shape or geometry. By analyzing the impact of device geometries on core and winding temperatures, some insights are gained into the optimal shapes for cores, conductors and winding configurations. This analysis ultimately recommends the use of flatter structures to the extent allowed by other design constraints.

What you’ll learn:

• How to minimize the rise in core and winding temperatures through selection of core and conductor shapes and winding configurations
• How to understand why planar magnetics are optimum from a thermal standpoint

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Author & Publication:

Dennis Feucht, Innovatia Laboratories, Cayo, Belize, How2Power Today, Mar 13 2015

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