Inductor design using amorphous metal C-cores

As standards are developed that limit harmonic current levels in off-line equipment, the need grows for solutions that do not increase the cost, size, and weight of power-factor-correction components. A method for correcting power factor that helps reduce cost, size, and weight involves using amorphous metal C-cores as the inductive element of power-factor-correction devices (e.g. a continuous-mode boost pre-regulator). Inductive components made with amorphous metals are smaller and lighter than those made with traditional materials. In this article we discuss power factor, the establishment of IEC 555 for limiting harmonic currents, and the benefits of using amorphous metal C-cores over traditional materials. A step-by-step procedure is then presented for designing the inductive element of a continuous-mode boost pre-regulator using amorphous metal C-cores for limiting harmonic currents