Selecting magnetic cores for higher power inductors

This paper presents an improved methodology for selecting a core for higher power inductors, by using a more advanced approach to select initial values for the Window Utilization Factor (WUF) and the Core to DC Copper Loss Ratio (CCLR) as the two key starting parameters for the inductor design process. The paper identifies the reasons why the conventional starting point assumptions for the WUF and CCLR based on higher frequency lower power inductor design principles are not appropriate for higher power inductors, and then presents a basis for identifying improved design starting points for these parameters that better suit inductors operating in the intermediate frequency range. Consequently the number of iterations required to achieve a final inductor design can be substantially reduced.