Mythology In Power Magnetics

Focus:

According to the author, magnetics design really is simple, but designers are hindered by some misleading but commonly held ideas and a lack of awareness of other important concepts. This article discusses both the misleading ideas and the lesser-known concepts. It starts by discussing the difference between magnetics science versus magnetics optimization; why maximum power transfer doesn’t necessarily occur when winding losses equal core losses; how waveshape should influence selection of core material as determined by ripple factor; how designing for equal power-loss density influences winding area allotment; and the importance of core shape in minimizing losses. The author concludes with some recommended readings to give designers a grounding in magnetics design optimization.

What you’ll learn:

• How to separate truth from myth in magnetic component design
• How to understand key concepts for optimizing power transformers and inductors

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Author & Publication:

Dennis Feucht, Innovatia Laboratories, Cayo, Belize, How2Power Today, Apr 15 2025

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