An accurate experimental apparatus for measuring losses in magnetic components

An experimental apparatus has been designed and built to accurately measure losses in magnetic components. The apparatus consists of a highly conductive pedestal on which the device under test (DUT) is mounted. A heat flux sensor placed under the pedestal is used to measure the total heat generated in the DUT. The pedestal along with the heat-flux sensor is placed inside an evacuated chamber to minimize heat loss by convection. Calibration of the apparatus with power resistors showed that it is accurate to within 5% in the power range of interest. A detailed parametric analysis of the factors affecting the accuracy of the apparatus is presented. This apparatus is ideally suited for planar magnetic components.