Two-dimensional calculation of winding losses in planar magnetic components

Abstract

Calculating the winding losses is of major importance for the design of magnetic components for power electronics. Two-dimensional finite element programs provide sufficiently accurate results. However, using them is cumbersome. Therefore there is a considerable need for efficient analytical models suitable to assess a large number of design alternatives. State of the art one-dimensional models fail in many situations. A two-dimensional analytical model for planar magnetic components is presented that overcomes the shortcomings of the one-dimensional models. Its accuracy is corroborated by a comparison with results obtained from finite element calculations. Quantifying the tradeoff between the building height and winding losses of a planar inductor is discussed as a design example.