An improved algorithm for the analysis of partially saturated ferrite inductors in switching power supplies

Abstract

Ferrite inductors operation in partial saturation offers unexplored opportunities in reducing the size of magnetic parts and the power losses in High-Current-Ripple Switching Mode Power Supplies (HCR SMPSs) using SiC and GaN devices. A reliable prediction of the inductor current ripple is required to exploit such opportunities. A new method for ripple analysis of saturated inductors has been recently proposed, allowing the investigation of effective SMPS design solutions with minimum size inductors. An extension of such method is herein presented, allowing design investigations for the reliable use of partially saturated ferrite inductors in HCR SMPS applications. Simulation results and experimental tests fully validate the proposed method.