Planar inductive components have become a mainstream technology. For compact, low profile power converter modules - known as 'bricks' - they are the standard.
While the technology as such has been accepted, design optimisation is still ongoing in the striving for highest power density. The first core shape that resulted in a standardised planar series was the planar E core, a low profile vertical variation of the conventional E core. The especially round centre leg shapes are well suited for compact designs.
Ferroxcube has introduced two new core sizes: ER18 and ER23. These are a logical continuation of the existing smaller ER cores ER9.5, ER11 and ER14.5, which can also be used in planar designs. Aimed at the high-density power conversion market, the new sizes are launched in the high saturation/high frequency materials 3C92, 3C96 and 3F35.
Applications
A typical application for the ER18 and ER23 can be found in DC-DC converter modules in telecom switches. They convert the intermediate DC supply voltage (12-48 V) to the PCB board level (1,0-3,3 V). Trends are increasing throughput power density and large output currents because semiconductor voltages go down. This requires a uniform core cross-section and high-grade materials, but also more effective copper conductors. A round centre leg has principally the shortest copper tracks for a given core cross-section and therefore the lowest DC resistance and smallest footprint area. The winding window must be kept sufficiently large to limit the current density, which relates directly to the temperature rise due to the copper losses. The core cross-section is less dominant for lower voltages, so the ratio of core cross-section to winding area can go down. Together these requirements lead to an ER-like core shape. The ER18 is intended for quarter brick designs (110 W, 40-60 A) and the ER23 for half brick designs (150 W, 60-80 A).
The main features of the cores are: round centre leg; short copper tracks; low DC resistance; small footprint area; high power density; large winding window, large output current; uniform core cross-section; maximum ferrite usage; high grade ferrite materials; high saturation/high frequency.
For further information contact Leslie Govender, Arrow Altech Distribution, 011 923 9600, [email protected]
Wi-Fi 6/BLE module enables rapid development Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Telit Cinterion has announced the WE310K6, a fully integrated, low-power module featuring dual-band, dual-stream Wi-Fi 6, and dual-mode Bluetooth/BLE.
Read more...Analysis of switch-mode power supply: inductor violations Altron Arrow
Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Common switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design errors are discussed, and their appropriate rectification is specified, with details on complications that arise with the power stage design of DC-DC switching regulators.
Read more...PCB connectors for power systems Phoenix Contact
Passive Components
With the new PC 6 PCB connectors with screw connection, Phoenix Contact’s classic connection technology is available with enhanced touch protection for the new pin connector pattern.
Read more...Microsoft Windows IoT on ARM Altron Arrow
Computer/Embedded Technology
This expansion means that the Windows IoT ecosystem can now harness the power of ARM processors, known for their energy efficiency and versatility.
Read more...SPE connector range Phoenix Contact
Passive Components
Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a communication technology that realises Industry 4.0 and IIoT applications, and Phoenix Contact’s Combicon range are ideal for SPE connections.
Read more...TDK expands MLCC series RS South Africa
Passive Components
TDK Corporation has expanded its CGA series of multilayer ceramic capacitors, currently being the highest capacitance in 100 V products for automotive applications.
Read more...Microchip introduces ECC608 TrustMANAGER Altron Arrow
Circuit & System Protection
To increase security on IoT products and facilitate easier setup and management, Microchip Technology has added the ECC608 TrustMANAGER with Kudelski IoT keySTREAM, Software as a Service (SaaS) to its Trust Platform portfolio of devices, services and tools.
printer friendly version