Thick-film integrated inductors for power converters

This paper describes the design procedures followed to obtain a thick-film inductor for its application in DC/DC power micro-converters. The main characteristics of the new technology used are commented upon and design equations are given. Results are compared to those obtained by means of finite-element analysis (FEA) tools. Details of some thick-film inductors developed with this technique are also given. One of these inductors is included in a 5 V-to-3.3 V DC/DC power converter, thus providing a very high power density: 6.25 W/cm/sup 3/.