A Novel Method to Predict the Real Operation of Ferrite Inductors with Moderate Saturation in Switching Power Supplies Applications

This paper presents a method to predict the real operation current wave-shape of Ferrite Core (FC) inductors in switching power supply applications involving a moderate inductor saturation. The method is based on a behavioral analytical model of inductance versus current saturation curve, obtained starting from the data provided by inductors manufacturers. The algorithm developed to solve the nonlinear model of the inductor can be applied to predict the range of the operating conditions involving a sustainable partial saturation for FC inductors, and the resulting method is best suited for the selection of minimum size inductors for high-power-density power supply design solutions.