Pragmatic and Decisive Comparison of Magnetic Cores for Switching Mode Power Supply

Abstract

Switching mode power supply is without doubt an important subassembly for any electronic equipment. With improvements in semiconductors & other circuit components, high frequencies are being utilized, sizes are being reduced and efficiencies are increasing in SMPS. Magnetic cores of various types play a key role in many of the components used in switched mode power supplies. Core material and geometries are a basic design consideration. Depending on the circuit requirements, degree of sophistication, manufacturing techniques, assembly equipments available and costs, the designer has a wide array of magnetic cores at his disposal. This paper discusses the merits and demerits of the various types of cores used in switching power supplies. A realistic and honest comparison of properties of available alternatives is suggested. Comparative analysis of various magnetic cores is presented for all the subassemblies of an SMPS.