Overview
In the quest for energy-efficient and high-performance power electronics, the shift towards higher operating frequencies is inevitable. Very-high-frequency power electronics, particularly those leveraging Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, have showcased unprecedented efficiency and power density. However, the move to high frequencies brings unique challenges in the modeling of magnetic components like inductors and transformers. Accurate modeling is indispensable for optimizing their performance and consequently, the overall system efficiency.
One specific area that has been under-researched is the modeling of winding losses in foil and PCB track windings at high frequencies (e.g. for planar magnetics). Existing models primarily focus on solid round and litz wires, but as electronics miniaturize and integrate more functions onto single boards, foil and PCB track windings are becoming increasingly common. The project will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could speed up these computationally intensive simulations without sacrificing accuracy.
By doing so, this research will not only contribute to the academic understanding of high-frequency magnetic components but also have practical implications for a variety of applications including laptop power supplies, data centers, and electric vehicles. As we step into an era where energy efficiency is not just a desire but a global necessity, the significance of this research cannot be overstated.
