Design with Magnetics
Designing with Magnetics soft magnetic cores can be challenging given the myriad of factors that are involved in selecting the optimum core for a given design. This page will provide information on the many design tools that Magnetics has available for proper soft magnetic core selection.
What soft magnetic core(s) can be used for my application?
Magnetics’ core selection guide shows which cores can be used for various applications from inductors and transformers to magnetometers and Hall Effect devices. You can also compare the materials on the product overview page which has a table comparing the benefits of each material type.
What tools are available for selecting the best Magnetics core?
Magnetics® design tools assist engineers in optimizing their magnetic components. Targeted to specific applications, each tool offers a core selection routine and contains online Help to guide design engineers through the selection and optimization process. Additional references are included to assist with more involved designs. Advance registration is required.
Magnetics' Inductor Design tool using Powder Cores is an aid to assist design engineers in selecting the optimum core for inductor applications, specifically switch-mode power supply (SMPS) output filters, also known as DC Inductors. This tool uses a design algorithm intended to specify the smallest design package size for the given input parameters (currents, inductance values, frequency, etc.).
The Curve Fit Equation tool is an Excel file for design engineers working on calculations from the formulas in 2025 Magnetics Powder Core Catalog. Magnetic component engineers can compare the core performance including permeability vs. DC Bias, core loss density, normal magnetization, permeability vs. AC Flux, permeability vs. frequency, and permeability vs. temperature. This fully functional tool provides six comparison tables in this file based on all Magnetics powder core materials.
The Common Mode Filter Design tool assists designers in making optimal, informed core and ferrite material choices. The tool can accommodate user inputs of voltage, current, frequency, and/or desired impedance and will recommend the best ferrite or nanocrystalline core for the application.
The Current Transformer Design tool aids the designer in specifying the optimum core based on a variety of different current sensing schemes; including Hall Effect devices, current transformers for switched mode power supplies, and traditional current transformers. Materials offered are Kool Mµ, MPP, ferrites, and strip wound core materials including 3% Si steel and Ni-Fe alloys.
The MagAmp Designer helps design engineers select the ideal core for magnetic amplifier applications such as secondary output regulation in switched mode power supplies. The program’s help file details material selection and explains the innovative core and copper loss calculations used to estimate performance and temperature rise.
The Ferrite Core Loss Calculator is an easy way to find core loss data on Magnetics' Ferrites at various frequencies and temperatures. See results for P, F, R, T, and L materials by entering frequency, temperature, and peak flux density. It gives designers a way to calculate core loss that can be used in any Excel sheet.
The Block AL Calculator is a design tool which calculates AL value, volume, and total area of different assemblies using Magnetics' powder core blocks. Designers can compare these designs side-by-side within the Excel spreadsheet.
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Technical Documents
After 70+ years of manufacturing soft magnetic cores, Magnetics has an extensive library of technical literature including technical bulletins, white papers, and catalogs. Topics include planar transformers, Hall Effect devices, flyback transformers, and others. Technical documents are available online, can be downloaded, or will be shipped to you upon request.
Advanced Search Database
The Advanced Search Database allows a user to find the Magnetics cores that are available based on a variety of selection factors such as dimensional limits, geometry type, path length, cross section, AL value, etc. The search will return the available Magnetics part numbers based on the criteria selected with links to datasheets.
Competitor Cross Reference Tool
If a competitor part number is known and the Magnetics equivalent part number is needed, the Competitor Cross Reference Tool can be used to quickly find the our part number and the associated datasheet. With the Magnetics part number, you can request a quote or check distributor stock
Part Datasheets
Once the correct Magnetics soft magnetic core is chosen, specific information on the given core can be found on the part datasheet. Datasheets contain dimensional, mechanical, and electrical specifications.
How can I be sure to get the correct Magnetics soft magnetic core?
To begin ordering Magnetics soft magnetic cores, it is important to become familiar with the ordering codes for each product line. Information on the ordering codes can be found on the individual product pages.
How do I get samples of Magnetics cores?
Samples can be ordered directly from Magnetics either online or with a quick phone call. Contact, project, and part information can be supplied on the online Sample Request form or you can contact the Magnetics office closest to you to discuss the samples needed for your project.
What if I need additional help selecting the appropriate core?
For unique applications or demanding designs, Magnetics Application Engineering staff can provide expert assistance with selecting the appropriate core for any design. The Magnetics Application Engineering experts can be contacted via e-mail and by calling either the Headquarters or Hong Kong Sales offices.