Abstract: Power inductor, and flyback transformer datasheets across the industry are often misinterpreted by entry level power electronic designers, or component engineers. The presentation will sort out actual limitations of inductors and compare them to other characteristics that are announced in a datasheet. Limits in safety standards (UL, IEC, etc.) will be explained and how this, and saturation characteristics, tend to play the biggest role for an inductor. Explanation and clarification of “peak” vs. “saturation” current and how many engineers tend to confuse these terms thanks to datasheet information of Ipk, Isat, or similar. Other characteristics such as DCR, SRF and HiPot will be explained for an inductor. Furthermore, the presentation will also expose the audience to other possible tests: ACR, Surge test, Rth, etc.
The presentation exposes new engineers and experienced engineers with information that clearly identifies magnetic component limitations vs. application limitations in datasheets. This knowledge will allow the audience to make judicial decisions when selecting magnetic components from datasheets, and they will also be able to run tests on their end to validate parameters.
