Characterization of non-linear inductors including thermal effects for power applications

Abstract

This paper focuses on the behavior of non-linear inductors employed in DC/DC switching converters considering the effects due to variations of both current and temperature. The characterization of the inductors is performed by a buck converter operated to stimulate the inductor under test by a constant current with superimposed a large signal. The measurements are carried out for several temperature values of the inductor. Data are automatically collected by a novel virtual instrument developed by the authors in LabVIEW® environment, aiming to obtain a polynomial based analytical model. The deep knowledge of the inductor model allows its design to be optimized improving the power density of the converter.