High-frequency effects and minimum size design methodology for SMPS transformers with solid round conductors

In terms of volume, transformers are the most important components of switch mode power supplies (SMPS). When moving towards higher frequencies in order to reduce the converter volume, the impact of high-frequency (HF) effects in the windings increases. This paper proposes a transformer design methodology that takes into account these HF effects in solid round windings and allows maximizing the transformer's power density. The methodology is developed considering a forward converter case study.