Low loss powder cores have benefits for a variety of applications

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9 August 2006 Passive Components

Information from Suntronika

The Magnetics Kool Mu powder cores are distributed air-gap toroidal cores made from a ferrous alloy powder for low losses at elevated frequencies. This 'near zero' magnetorestriction alloy makes Kool Mu ideal for eliminating audible frequency noise in filter inductors.

In high frequency applications, core losses of powdered iron, for instance, can be a major factor in contributing to undesirable temperature rises. Hence, Kool Mu cores are ideal because their losses are significantly less, resulting in lower temperature rises. It is possible that Kool Mu cores will offer a reduction in core size over powdered iron cores in a similar application. Kool Mu exhibits no thermal ageing, and cores are rated for 200°C continuous use.

The following are some special advantages of Kool Mu powder cores in certain applications.

* Switching regulator inductors: Kool Mu Powder Cores are naturally suited for the energy storage filter inductors used in switch-mode power supplies. The 10 500 gauss saturation level of Kool Mu cores provides a higher energy storage capability than can be obtained with gapped ferrites of the same size and effective permeability.

Where significant ripple may contribute to heat rise, Kool Mu cores perform better than powdered iron cores in these respects. In similar applications, it is possible that Kool Mu cores will offer a reduction in core size over powdered-iron cores.

* In-line noise filters: Kool Mu cores are ideal for in-line noise filters where the inductor must support large AC voltage without core saturation occurring. Line filters using Kool Mu cores can be smaller in size, requiring fewer turns than by using ferrite cores. Kool Mu cores are also near zero in their magnetorestriction coefficient, meaning that they are extremely quiet when operating with audible frequency range noise or line current.

* Flyback transformers, power factor correction, and pulse transformers: The high flux density and low core losses make Kool Mu cores excellent for use in power factor correction circuits as well as unidirectional drive applications such as pulse transformers and flyback transformers.

For complete technical information regarding material characteristics and core parameters, refer to the Powder Cores Design Manual and Catalog at www.mag-inc.com/powder/catalog.asp.

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Low loss powder cores have benefits for a variety of applications

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