Power Ferrites in DC-DC Converters
Power ferrites are soft magnetic materials that become magnetized when an external field is applied to them. The level of their magnetization is known as initial magnetic permeability. The steepness of the rise of the initial magnetization curve is regarded as the initial magnetic permeability during the magnetization process as observed in the BH curve. Signal transformers use weak AC magnetic fields to transmit input signals efficiently and securely. This is because they have a high magnetic permeability. These ferrites are produced in several geometries and sizes using a range of materials that possess unique properties. Owing to this, the requirements for cores in power supply also differ as per the available magnetic materials.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore how power ferrites are used in switching power supply devices and what purpose they serve.
How do Power Ferrites work?
Power ferrites are used in power transformers. They help the transformers in transmitting electrical power through a strong AC magnetic field. These ferrites need to have the following properties in a balanced proportion to function smoothly:
- High power
- Efficiency
- High magnetic permeability
- High saturation
- Magnetic flux density
- Low power loss
Power Ferrites in Switching Power Supplies
Electronic devices usually use Integrated Circuits (ICs). To operate the circuits with no errors, it is crucial to supply stable voltage direct current (DC), known as DC stabilized power supply.
The direct current received by rectifying commercial current has voltage fluctuations, low stability, and low voltage of batteries that ensure the operations of the electronic devices. Hence, DC stabilized power supply is required, which is found in switching systems and linear systems.
To serve this purpose, switching DC-DC Converters are employed as high-efficiency DC stabilized power supplies. They use a switching system to convert an unstable direct current into a high-frequency pulse current (alternating current) by switching on/off semiconductor devices. Then, pulse current is sent to the transformer to convert it into direct current. The reason behind converting the direct current into pulse current is to step up or down the voltage (which cannot happen in direct current).
Switching circuits have high efficiency, so they can make smaller transformer cores at higher frequencies.
Use of Power Ferrites in DC-DC Converters
DC-DC Converters are electronic devices that use a power ferrite to minimize core losses in the operating temperature range (usually 60 to 100 degrees Celsius). It helps them to save energy. However, this doesn’t work for DC-DC Converters of Hybrid Electric Vehicles.
The efficiency of a DC-DC Converter is affected if there are core losses or temperature instability in the transformer core.
Power ferrites ensure a V-shaped temperature curve in which core losses are minimal in a certain range of temperature. This is also important because DC-DC Converters of hybrid vehicles need ferrites with low losses in varying temperature conditions because cars run in environments, from extreme cold to hot. They also have a higher electrical resistance than iron cores, so they cause fewer eddy currents.
Conclusion
Power ferrites are used as necessary magnetic materials for high-frequency transformers for DC-DC converters. They are available in a variety of industry sizes and shapes to serve individual customer requirements.
At Cosmo Ferrites, we manufacture power ferrites with advanced technologies to ensure high standard performance and a balance in their properties. If you want to explore our product range, connect with our experts, and satisfy your business’ requirements.