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High Frequency Transformers

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12 views1 page

High Frequency Transformers

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sri0302005
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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High Frequency Transformers:

Basic Principles High-frequency transformers operate using the same basic principles as
standard transformers. The primary difference is that, as their name implies, they operate at
much higher frequencies — while most line voltage transformers operate at 50 or 60 Hz,
high-frequency transformers use frequencies from 20 KHz to over 1MHz. Operating at a
higher frequency has many benefits, the first of which is size. For any given power rating, the
higher the frequency, the smaller the transformer can be. Second, because the transformer is
smaller, less copper wire is needed, thus reducing the losses and helping to make the
transformer more efficient. Also, since the core is typically ferrite, a wide variety of
geometries are available so the transformer can be tailor-made for the application. Whether
additional shielding or a specific form factor is required, the chances are good that a ferrite
core exists to meet the requirement. However, the benefits brought about by light weight,
small size, and higher power density, pose a number of challenges. Minimizing the issues
such as skin and proximity effects are a serious concern when designing highfrequency
transformers.

Skin effects are caused by the tendency of highfrequency currents to flow on the surface of
conductors. The losses due to the skin effect can be reduced through the use of Litz wire. Litz
wire is constructed by “weaving” multiple smaller conductors together to make an equivalent
larger wire gauge. For example, using 108 strands of a #40AWG is equivalent to a #20AWG.
The size of each individual strand is determined by the intended operating frequency, with
small strands being used for higher frequencies. The weaving process enables each strand to
occupy a space near the outside (or skin) of the Litz wire at some point in the length of wire,
allowing current to flow more evenly through all strands. Proximity effects are also known as
eddy current losses are caused by the magnetic fields from adjacent conductors either in
adjacent windings, or of more serious concern, in adjacent layers, which causes current to
flow in unintended patterns or in eddy currents. This effect creates excessive resistance
within the wire and unintentional power loss. There are a number of design considerations
that will minimize proximity effects, selecting a core allowing an increased number of
turns/layers is one method. The use of foil winding layers rather than round wire is another,
as is interleaving the winding. Since proximity effects are a result of magnetic field induced
eddy currents, it should be noted that core gaps can result in losses as well. Wherever there is
an air gap in the core, stray flux lines (magnetic field) extend in an arc, and as a result
proximity effects can have an impact on the transformer winding closest to the air gap.
Again, there are a number of construction techniques that can be used to minimize this, such
as using multiple gaps on the core leg so each gap is smaller, or using a physical barrier such
as tape to keep the winding away from the gap. As transformers become smaller, power
density increases, and dispite higher efficiency, heat dissipation can becomes a major design
hurdle. In many cases active cooling is needed either with a fan to increase airflow, or by
mounting the transformer on a cooling plate.

Reference :
https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/539085/ebookHigh_Frequency_Transformer_Guide.pdf?
t=1491572921844

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