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Applications
Real Life Test Examples
  • PFC Transformers
  • Common Mode Chokes
  • Audio Telecoms Tx
  • SMPS Power Tx
  • Line Frequency Toroids
  • E Core Laminate Tx
  • Pulse Tx
  • Power Inductors
  • PoE Transformers
  • Instrument Current Tx
  • CCFL Lighting Tx

Test Example for Power Inductors


Overview of Power Inductors

Power Inductors are used in a variety of applications as part of an LC combination to filter the output of a circuit.
Typical applications are DC-DC converters and on the out put of most SMPS topologies.
Correct selection and operation of the inductor will smooth the current into the capacitor, protecting it from excessive ripple, allowing a smaller cheaper output capacitor to be used.
These inductors also need to have a low DC resistance to minimize self-heating, as excess heat will stop the magnetic function of a core, and also bleed energy from the circuit.
They also need to be able to operate inductively in the presence of DC currents, i.e. still be able to store and release energy in the core without saturating
Coilcraft manufacture a large range of transformers and inductors.
The Coilcraft PCV-2-564-08L is a great example of this type of power inductor, shown to the left.

Suggested testing for Power Inductors

AT Editor Schematic for inductors

The inductor is easily represented on the AT EDITOR program via a single winding.

AT Fixturing for Inductors

The 0.054inch/1.37mm thick pins of the PCV 2-564-08L make it ideal for a Kelvin pin fixture, which will allow for true Kelvin measurements by allowing any effect of the fixture wiring to be compensated out.

As DC power chokes are typically specified with very low resistances it is important to be able to measure and monitor this in production

As we will be testing DC BIAS over 400mA DC, we will also use a Voltech DC1000 Bias unit to supply the 7.00 Amps DC.
This DC1000 is connected across terminals A and B via the fixture.
The AT test program then automatically controls both the AT tester and the DC1000 without the need for user intervention.

AT Test Program for Inductors

See our Test program here
or download the actual ATP test program here
(can be opened with free AT Series Editor software, see DOWNLOADS here)

The DC resistance of the inductor is checked first with the limits set to check that it is below the nominal 90 mOhms
Next, Inductance is checked at 15.75kHz as a check of the number of turns and core material.
Finally the DC1000 is activated by the LSBX test to provide 7A DC, and the inductance checked again to prove it is constant under DC bias.
# Test Description Pins and Conditions Reason
1 R DC resistance Check winding resistance <90 mOhms as per spec To check the winding resistance is below a maximum. Also acts as a check of correct wire gauge and good termination.
2 LS Series Inductance Check inductance at 15.75Khz 100mV is 560uH +/- 10% To check the correct number of turns and correct operation of the core material
3 LSBX Series Inductance with BIAS Check inductance at 15.75Khz 100mV is 560uH +/- 10% in presence of 7A DC bias as per spec To check the correct number of turns and correct operation of the core material under DC Bias
AT5600 Run time 2.16 sec
(AT3600 Run time 4.40 sec)
Notes
The DC1000 can also be used in the design phase with a variety of LCR meters to prove proof of concept.
At this stage it is desirable to test over a wide variety of frequencies and DC bias currents, in excess of normal production testing, to validate a design.
See the link at the bottom of the page to find out more.

AT Test Results for Inductors


Links / References for Power Inductors

  • - Coilcraft homepage
  • - Coilcraft PCV datasheet
  • - Our page on the DC1000 in design validation
  • - Our general application note on measurements for DC chokes

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USA 1-239-437-0494
EUR 44 1235 861173
ASIA 44-1235-364-001
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