Inductor Saturation Model Supports Analysis Of Inductor And Transformer Designs

Focus:

This article offers an analytical expression for an inductor in saturation mode. The method described and supporting plots should facilitate inductor as well as transformer design. The analysis is based on an analytical hysteresis loop equation and the previously derived dependence of magnetizing inductance on magnetizing current. The novelty here is the author’s description of how to use this dependence to plot the magnetizing current versus time using readily available core datasheet parameters, number of turns, and the applied voltage. This plot clearly shows when the inductor saturation begins. Knowing that, designers can change circuit parameters to avoid the saturation of the core. After deriving the key equations, a transformer design example using these equations is presented.

What you’ll learn:

• How to model saturation in inductors and transformers
• How to plot the magnetizing current versus time for an inductor or transformer using readily available core datasheet parameters, number of turns, and applied voltage

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Author & Publication:

Gregory Mirsky, Design Engineer, Deer Park, Ill., How2Power Today, Nov 15 2023

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