Characterization of customized ferrite cores for a compact six-phase coupled inductor

Abstract

© 2018 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved. Demands for circuits with higher density in modern electronics have imposed the necessity for electronic components with compact size, high frequency operational range, high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This requires the new design of electronic components, such as multi-phase coupled inductor with ferrite Ni-Zn core which is studied in this paper. Printed circuit board (PCB) technology was used to develop six symmetrical conductive copper coils, while specially designed innovative ferrite core has been mounted through the PCB, to create a compact component. For ferrite core, two Ni-Zn materials denoted with C2025 and CN20 were used. Testing of the component has been performed using the following characterization methods: (a) structural characterization using scanning electron microscope; (b) electrical characterization using Impedance analyzer; and (c) mechanical characterization using Nanoindenter. It can be concluded from tests carried out (load-displacement curves and hardness module) that designed and manufactured component can be exposed to mechanical stress and vibrations and can be used in applications such as DC/DC convertors.