Reduction of high-frequency conduction losses using a planar litz structure

A new trend in power converters is to design planar magnetic components that aim for low profile. However, at high frequencies, ac losses induced in the planar inductor and transformer windings become significant due to the skin and proximity effects. A planar litz conductor can be constructed by dividing the wide planar conductor lengthwise into multiple strands and weaving these strands in much the same manner as one would use to construct a conventional round litz wire conductor. Each strand is then equally subjected to the magnetic fields in the winding window, thereby equalizing the flux linkage and improving the current distribution. Three-dimensional finite-element modeling was performed for simple models. The simulation results showed that the planar litz conductor can result in lower ac resistance than a solid conductor over a specific frequency range. The performance of the planar litz winding was also verified with measurements on two experimental prototypes.