MHz transformers for high density power conversion

The authors discuss transformer designs that achieve efficiencies greater than 99% operating at 2 MHz at power densities in excess of 400 W/in³ for the power range of 50 to 100 W with output voltages of 1.5 V. To achieve these results copper density must be increased beyond that possible with more conventional Litz wire constructions. Instead, multilayer windings are made of copper foil using flex-circuit technology. A particular innovation described is the elimination of external connections between the winding layers by incorporating the interconnections as an integral part of the winding design. This results in Z-folded winding structures that can be intimately interleaved to achieve high copper density, low copper loss, and very low leakage inductance