Coupled Inductors and their Applications

Abstract

This article describes the topic of coupled inductors and their EMC advantages when used in switching power supplies. It is explained how a coupled inductor works, which advantages and disadvantages it has and how it can be applied in principle. Furthermore, various DC-DC converter topologies with coupled inductors are explained and a practical example is used to show how a coupled inductors can be used effectively. One way to reduce the costs and effort for the development of a power supply system is to use a distributed system where the power supply is distributed decentral within the system. The DC-DC converters can be selected in their topology according to the circuit requirements and the advantages and disadvantages, thus making the system as a whole in EMC design simpler and inherently better, since couplings due to long supply lines, complex high-current filters and inadequately adapted circuit topologies are eliminated.