Performance-oriented experimental characterization of power inductors

This paper presents a novel performance-based approach for the experimental characterization of power components, specifically focusing on power inductors for use in hard-switching DC-DC power converters. The proposed testing procedure identifies the range of operating conditions under which a power inductor maintains its power loss, temperature rise, and peak-to-peak ripple current within specified target limits. The results underscore the multiple advantages of this performance-based characterization approach, including reduced testing times, enhanced identification of optimal performance applications for components, and improved matching between applications and components.