Size and performance optimization of filter inductors for highly efficient and compact power conversion circuits

When optimizing a power converter concerning its efficiency and overall size, all circuit elements (semiconductors, magnetic components, capacitors, cooling, etc.) need to be considered in details. The semiconductors and magnetic components are usually responsible for a major part of the system losses, while the magnetic components additionally contribute to the total converter size. The performance of these two components will be investigated in detail in this paper. With WBG devices, an increase of the switching frequency will be a major contributor for compact and efficient converters. Such development needs nevertheless to be confronted with other optimization possibilities for inductors like material choice and loss densities. This publication will address such issues making use of experimental case studies.