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]
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