Characterization and modelling of miniature ferrite transformer for high frequency applications

Abstract

Purpose - Significant achievements in ferrite material processing enable developments of many ferrite devices with a wide range of power levels and working frequencies, which make demands for new characterization and modelling methods for ferrite materials and components. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a modelling and measurement procedure, which can be used for the characterization of two-port ferrite components in high frequency range. Design/methodology/approach - This paper presents a commercially available ferrite component (transformer) modelling and determination of its electrical parameters using in-house developed software. The components are measured and characterized using a vector network analyzer E5071B and adaptation test fixture on PCB board. The parameters of electrical equivalent circuit of the ferrite transformer parameters are compared with values extracted out of measured scattering parameters. Findings - A good agreement between modelled and extracted electrical parameters of the ferrite transformer is found. The modelled inductance curves have the same dependence versus frequency as extracted ones. That confirms the model validity in the wide frequency range. Originality/value - In-house developed software based on proposed model provides inclusion of the ferrite material dispersive characteristics, which dominantly determines high-frequency behaviour of two-port ferrite components. Developed software enables fast and accurate calculation of the ferrite transformer electrical parameters and its redesign in order to achieve the best performance for required application. Copyright © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.