An integrated magnetic
assembly that allows the primary and secondary windings of a
transformer and a separate
inductor winding to be integrated on a unitary
magnetic structure is disclosed. The unitary
magnetic structure includes first, second, and third legs that are physically connected and magnetically coupled. The primary and secondary windings of the
transformer can be formed on the third leg of the unitary
magnetic structure. Alternatively, the primary and secondary windings can be split between the first and second legs. Thus, the primary winding includes first and second primary windings disposed on the first and second legs and the secondary winding includes first and second secondary windings disposed on the first and second legs. The
inductor winding may also be formed either on the third leg or it may split into first and second
inductor windings and disposed on the first and second legs. In addition, one or more legs may include an
energy storage component such as an air gap. This integration of the primary and secondary windings and the inductor winding on the unitary magnetic structure advantageously decouples the inductor function from the
transformer function and allows the more
optimal design of both the inductor and the transformer. The unitary magnetic structure may be coupled to a
full bridge, a
half bridge, or a
push pull voltage input source to form a DC—
DC converter.