Design and modeling of planar magnetic inductors for power converters applications

Planar inductors devices are essential parts in power converters which are used in the different stage of energy conversion. Designed and simulated power converters needs prototype-less approaches. However, Models of planar inductors devices are still not available in simulator tools. There is, thus, a specific limitation during the simulation process of integrated power converters. Thus, this paper focuses on the modeling of planar inductors with magnetic core. Based on an analytical field solution, an accurate method to calculate the reluctance magnetic core geometry is presented. Also, this model includes the impact of high frequency effects such as the skin, the proximity in the metal lines and the parasitic capacitances effects. This model is based on the geometrical parameters and physical characteristics of the planar inductors. The proposed model is compared to 3D finite element method simulations and reported results of several planar inductors with magnetic core. The analytical model of planar inductor results shows good agreement with the 3D FEM simulation.