Inductor saturation due to high dv/dt

AI Thread Summary
Reducing the switching frequency of a buck regulator can alleviate overheating issues by minimizing core losses associated with high dI/dt, rather than high dv/dt. The inductor core, made of ferrite, experiences increased losses due to the induced currents from rapid changes in magnetic flux, which generate heat. Higher frequencies and harmonics exacerbate these losses, leading to elevated temperatures. Core losses, primarily from eddy currents, are a significant factor, which is why laminated materials are often used in transformer cores to reduce these effects. Understanding the core material's characteristics is essential for optimizing performance and managing heat.
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I have a buck regulator running hot. I reduced the switching frequency and the temperature is almost normal.
The current rating of the inductor is high(2A) compared to current consumption on the board (300mA).
Why does reducing the switching frequency solve the heat problem?
Does the inductor core get hot due to high dv/dt at the switching node?
 
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You have confirmed that it is the inductor that is getting hot?
 
Magnetic materials can have high losses when operating above their design frequency. What is the core material you are using? You could find out its characteristics from the manufacturers.
 
The Core type is Ferrite.
 
the_emi_guy said:
You have confirmed that it is the inductor that is getting hot?
Yes.
 
It is not hi dV/Dt - but high dI/dt - or higher frequency causing higher losses. When you magnetize a core ( both a magnetic and conductive material) the expansion and contraction of the flux lines (changing flux) within the core - cause currents. The higher the frequency ( as well as harmonics) the more currents are induced and collapsed in the core material itself - yielding higher losses = heat.
 
Windadct said:
It is not hi dV/Dt - but high dI/dt - or higher frequency causing higher losses. When you magnetize a core ( both a magnetic and conductive material) the expansion and contraction of the flux lines (changing flux) within the core - cause currents. The higher the frequency ( as well as harmonics) the more currents are induced and collapsed in the core material itself - yielding higher losses = heat.

Windact, can you tell me the techincal term for this loss mechanism.
 
Ummm.. I think just referred to as core losses due to eddy (circulating) currents. This is the reasoning for laminated steel to be used in the cores for transformers - it forces the currents into the individual laminations - smaller loops... smaller currents... smaller losses

Scroll down on this page... http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transformer/transformer-construction.html
 

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