A practical approach for magnetic core-loss characterization

A practical approach for magnetic core loss characterization up to a few megahertz is presented. An error analysis is performed, revealing that corrections are needed to compensate for errors introduced by extra phase shifts inherent in a measurement setup, and by shunt parasitic capacitance associated with an inductive device under test. A simple technique is proposed to control the error, so as to satisfy prescribed tolerances. Extensive meassurements done on a TDK PC40 core yield results which support the analysis. Several sample cores are then characterized at a few megahertz.