Inductor Design Using Powder Cores Software from MAGNETICS®

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Inductor Design Using Powder Cores
*MAGNETICS® "Inductor Design Using Powder Cores" is an aid to assist design engineers in selecting the optimum core for inductor applications, specifically in switch-mode power supply (SMPS) output filters, also known as DC Inductors. As this name implies, most of the current flowing through the inductor is DC, with some amount of AC 'ripple' current (noted as I_delta) included as well (Figure 1). Figure 1: AC "ripple" current* Depending on the particular SMPS design, this ripple current value can either be insubstantial compared to the bulk DC output current in the inductor, or it may be quite large, and potentially limit the overall inductor design due to loss and temperature rise constraints. This software package selects core sizes and materials largely to provide the smallest package size that will support the needed inductance and current, but also allows users to select deliberately larger cores with the intent of reducing losses and lowering the component's temperature rise. Much more information on these topics is included in the Online Help sections distributed with the software, as well as in a number of other technical papers included in the Help file's Reference section. *MAGNETICS* Inductor Design Using Powder Cores Software uses a design algorithm intended to specify the smallest design package size for the given input parameters (currents, inductance values, frequency, etc.). The program sizes the appropriate core based on the needed energy product, expressed as the full load inductance times the square of the peak (DC plus ripple) current flowing through the inductor. Of course higher inductance values and higher current levels imply a larger core size. Typical inductor designs will specify at least the required minimum inductance at full load current and the DC current in the windings. Additional information, such as the amount of AC 'Ripple Current', current density (or wire size), highest acceptable temperature rise, and the maximum inductance at zero load current may also be supplied and can help to more accurately select the best core for the design. To download this software, right-click on the link link below, and select "Save As" from the pop-up menu. You will need software such as WinZip to un-zip and install the program. Get WinZip® now. Download *MAGNETICS* Inductor Design Using Powder Cores (PCD-3.1, Sep 14 2001) (ZIP, 406 KB) This software runs under Windows 95/ 98SE/NT/2000. Some Windows 95 users may experience problems due to an old release of the operating software. Patches included in the ZIP files will fix some problems. If problems persist, try updating to the latest service pack, or contact a *MAGNETICS* Application Engineer for more help.

You are here: Software >> Inductor Design Using Powder Cores Software

Inductor Design Using Powder Cores

MAGNETICS® "Inductor Design Using Powder Cores" is an aid to assist design engineers in selecting the optimum core for inductor applications, specifically in switch-mode power supply (SMPS) output filters, also known as DC Inductors. As this name implies, most of the current flowing through the inductor is DC, with some amount of AC 'ripple' current (noted as I_delta) included as well (Figure 1).

Figure 1: AC "ripple" current

Depending on the particular SMPS design, this ripple current value can either be insubstantial compared to the bulk DC output current in the inductor, or it may be quite large, and potentially limit the overall inductor design due to loss and temperature rise constraints. This software package selects core sizes and materials largely to provide the smallest package size that will support the needed inductance and current, but also allows users to select deliberately larger cores with the intent of reducing losses and lowering the component's temperature rise. Much more information on these topics is included in the Online Help sections distributed with the software, as well as in a number of other technical papers included in the Help file's Reference section.

MAGNETICS Inductor Design Using Powder Cores Software uses a design algorithm intended to specify the smallest design package size for the given input parameters (currents, inductance values, frequency, etc.). The program sizes the appropriate core based on the needed energy product, expressed as the full load inductance times the square of the peak (DC plus ripple) current flowing through the inductor. Of course higher inductance values and higher current levels imply a larger core size.

Typical inductor designs will specify at least the required minimum inductance at full load current and the DC current in the windings. Additional information, such as the amount of AC 'Ripple Current', current density (or wire size), highest acceptable temperature rise, and the maximum inductance at zero load current may also be supplied and can help to more accurately select the best core for the design.

To download this software, right-click on the link link below, and select "Save As" from the pop-up menu. You will need software such as WinZip to un-zip and install the program. Get WinZip® now.

Download MAGNETICS Inductor Design Using Powder Cores (PCD-3.1, Sep 14 2001) (ZIP, 406 KB)

This software runs under Windows 95/ 98SE/NT/2000. Some Windows 95 users may experience problems due to an old release of the operating software. Patches included in the ZIP files will fix some problems. If problems persist, try updating to the latest service pack, or contact a MAGNETICS Application Engineer for more help.