Design hi-tech transformers at lower cost

“High-tech” magnetic component design is a challenge to today´s engineer. Sorting through the complexity of circuits, applications, and materials, working with size restrictions, production methods, and the lack of similar components for evaluation tests are only a sampling of possible challenges. But the most important problem facing the design engineer is how to design lower cost components. This problem is not limited to the basic cost of materials. Labor is often a more important cost consideration. Whether your definition of “high-tech” magnetic components is in the 500 kVA range or small surface mounted parts, there are workable methods to enable the designer to meet these challenges. There are four basic questions that the design engineer should evaluate in order to lower the cost of “high-tech” designs: (1) What methods are used in sales and marketing that can be applied to the total design effort? (2) How does an engineer keep up-to-date with all the background technical and pricing data needed? (3) Can the design cost of high-tech parts be improved by simplifying the design and using innovative skills? (4) who will help obtain cost and performance data along with updates on circuits and operational scope? The author discusses these four points