Product OverviewHigh-Frequency, Low-Loss Ferrite Material PC200
In conjunction with the increased use of GaN semiconductor, which can operate a high frequency, higher frequencies for switching power supplies have become feasible. Ferrite materials are used in transformer products, but core loss (iron loss) varies greatly depending on the driving frequency, and they are key components in transformer design. This article presents information on the features of PC200 material, which was developed by using GaN, and key points concerning its use.Contents
Characteristics and lineup of materials compatible with high frequency
TDK's Mn-Zn ferrite cores compatible with high frequency support mass production of PC95 material.
PC200 is a ferrite material with low loss at frequencies from 700kHz to 4MHz and maximum electric power conversion capacity at 1.8MHz to approximately 2MHz.
For example, automotive ECUs are always equipped with a DC-DC converter to suppress battery voltage fluctuations, but the switching frequency has increased to frequencies that avoid the AM band (1.8MHz to 2.2MHz) for EMI countermeasures. PC200 is the most suitable material for transformers operated at these high frequencies.p>
*1 Frequency ranges are approximate. Verification of operation with actual devices is necessary.
*2 Please inquire regarding available sizes and quantities of PC200.
Superiority over earlier ferrite materials when operating at high frequency
Comparison of Material Characteristics
Representative values when intersection is not specified
PC95 (Mn-Zn) |
PC50 (Mn-Zn) |
PC200 (Mn-Zn) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Initial permeability: μi @25℃ | 3300±25% | 1400±25% | 800(Typ.) | |
Core loss @80℃ / kW/㎥ |
@500kHz, 50mT | 215 | 80 | 40 |
@1MHz, 50mT | 880 | 480 | 150 | |
@2MHz, 30mT | - | 850 | 160 | |
Saturation magnetic flux density: Bs(mT) @100℃ | 410 | 380 | 410 | |
Curie temperature: Tc (℃) | 215 | 240 | 280 |
Performance Factor (f×B)
Magnetic flux densities ΔB that can be used at operating frequencies can be calculated from the Performance Factor (f×B) graph.
The operating magnetic flux density is related to core loss (core heat generation).
The operating magnetic flux density is calculated by the following formula, but the value limited by either the saturation magnetic flux density or the core loss is the design value.
Magnetic flux density: B; Operating voltage: E; Number of windings: N; Core cross section area: A; Switch on time: T
A flyback or forward converter that operates at 300KHz or less is limited by the core loss for circuits that use B in the first and third quadrants such as saturated magnetic flus, LLC resonance, and full bridge.
When operating at 200KHz or higher in particular, set the operating magnetic flux density by making reference to the fXB curve on the right.
Core temperature reference test
The ferrite core of PC200 material can suppress heat generation when operating at high frequency.
The optimal operating frequency changes according to the material.
Comparison of core temperatures according to usage conditions with a thermo viewer
Frequency (MHz) |
0.3 | 1 | 2 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
B (mT) |
80 (PC200 : 66) |
50 | 30 | |
f×B (MHz・mT) |
24 (PC200:20) |
50 | 60 | |
PC95 | - | |||
PC50 | ||||
PC200 |
Comparison of the temperature rise with PC95 and PC200
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Warnings concerning the use of PC200 material
Shown in Figure 6, when PC200 material is operated with high magnetic flux, μi increases by 20% and core loss increases by 130%.
When designing products using PC200 material, it is recommended that it be used with Hdc = 50 (A/m) or less.
Figured 7 shows an example where Hdc exceeded 50 (A/m).
① When operating in the first and third quadrants, Hdc exceeds 50 on one side.
② Hdc exceeds 50 when direct current is imposed.