Application of Tektronix Oscilloscope in Magnetic Device Loss Test

How to evaluate the impact of magnetic components on power supply stability and overall efficiency? How to test inductance, magnetic loss, BH curve, magnetic properties and other indicators is a difficult problem facing engineers. In the early stage of power supply product design, you have to wind the transformer yourself to meet the design, test its uncertainty, and avoid saturation and explosion. Dedicated test equipment is very expensive. Tektronix provides a new evaluation method for everyone. Today, Antai Test will introduce the application of Tektronix oscilloscopes in magnetic component loss testing:

【Test principle】

In a switch-mode power supply (SMPS), magnetic components, namely inductors and transformers, play an important role. Inductors are used as energy storage devices or filters. Transformers are used to convert voltages and provide isolation. Transformers also play an important role in keeping the SMPS system oscillating. Most SMPS design processes rely on component specifications and simulation models. However, due to actual signal conditions, parasitic signals, temperature, and other environmental factors that affect the performance of magnetic components, the performance of the power supply may not be exactly the same as the product data sheet and simulation predictions. Therefore, online measurement of inductors and transformers under operating conditions can provide important information.

【Test platform construction】

Circuit Diagram

Specify the voltage and current channels, and set up the inductance and i vs. ∫v relationship measurements.

【Test instruction】

The 5-PWR magnetic property measurement gives a hysteresis plot of the magnetics in your design, checking if the magnetics are saturated, which can cause power supply instability.

【Solution Configuration】

Recommended solution: Tektronix oscilloscope MSO54+5-PWR+THDP0200+TCP0030A

Features: 5-PWR magnetic loss measurement gives the total magnetic loss, including core loss and copper cable loss. Designers can find the core loss from the device manufacturer's data sheet and subtract the core loss from the total magnetic loss to get the copper cable loss.