Electric and magnetic FEM modeling strategies for micro-inductors

Electroplated micromagnetic components, such as planar and toroidal inductors and transformers with ferromagnetic cores are promising devices. The characteristics of the materials used in these micro-scale components differ significantly from the properties of the common materials used in large-scale magnetics. The dimensional constraints due to the fabrication process form a main difference as well. For the design of such devices, two- and three-dimensional numerical field modeling techniques, such as FEM, are essential. This paper discusses modeling strategies combining two- and three-dimensional FEM methods, along with circuit equations, allowing investigation of the behaviour and design of new components