Integrated transformers and coupled inductors and associated systems and methods

Abstract

A switching power converter includes an integrated transformer and coupled inductor, first and second primary switching circuits, and a master controller. The integrated transformer and coupled inductor includes (a) first and second primary windings electrically coupled in series and (b) first and second secondary windings. The first and second primary switching circuits are electrically coupled to an end of the first primary winding and an end of the second primary winding, respectively. The master controller is configured to determine a magnitude of magnetizing current of the integrated transformer and coupled inductor from a difference between magnitude of current flowing through the first secondary winding and magnitude of current flowing through the second secondary winding, when the first and second primary switching circuits are in their respective off-states.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 306,901, filed March 11, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background technique [0003] Switching power converters typically include one or more magnetic devices, such as inductors and / or transformers. Inductors store energy and are often used for filtering purposes in switching power converters. Similarly, converters are typically designed to transfer energy in switching power converters, and to achieve galvanic isolation and / or to transform voltage magnitudes. [0004] It is known that a single coupled inductor can replace multiple discrete inductors in a switching power converter to improve converter performance, reduce converter size, and / or reduce converter cost. Examples of coupled inductors and associated systems and methods are found in US Patent No. 6,362,986 to Schultz et al., which is incorporated h...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The windings of these integrated magnetic devices extend out of the core, therefore, these integrated magnetic devices are prone to significant fringing flux, which can lead to undesired losses and electromagnetic interference

Also, devices of Chandrasekaran 875 can be difficult to fabricate because the core blocks access to the opposite side of the winding during winding installation

Also, the device shown by Chandrasekaran 875 has relatively long coupled flux paths between some windings, which can lead to substantial core losses

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