Crystalline and amorphous alloys for sophisticated electronic devices

Miniaturizing of electronic components and energy saving aspects were decisive stimuli for new concepts requiring new magnetic materials. For some selected topics like switched-mode power supplies (100 kHz range), thyristor control circuits, and ground fault interrupters, where soft magnetic alloys play an important role, the alloy development will be briefly discussed. This survey comprises crystalline NiFe-alloys with 37 - 80 % Ni [1, 2] as well as amorphous FeNi- and Co-base alloys [3, 4].