Overview of Planar Magnetic Technology—Fundamental Properties

The momentum toward high efficiency, high frequency, and high power density in power supplies limits wide use of conventional wire-wound magnetic components. This paper gives an overview of planar magnetic technologies with respect to the development of modern power electronics. The major advantages and disadvantages in the use of planar magnetics for high-frequency power converters are covered, and publications on planar magnetics are reviewed. A detailed survey of winding conduction loss, leakage inductance, and winding capacitance for planar magnetics is presented so power electronics engineers and researchers can have a clear understanding of the intrinsic properties of planar magnetics.