Application of harmonic balance-finite element method (HBFEM) in the design of switching power supplies

Numerical modeling and analysis are effective techniques to assist in the design of high-frequency switching power supplies. Striving for high power densities and higher efficiencies has pushed the operating frequencies up, resulting in new circuit configurations and different component architecture. This paper presents a numerical method that is used to analyze magnetic systems for switching power supplies, in particular the switching resonant DC-DC converters. The method uses the harmonic balance technique combined with finite element methods and is referred to as the harmonic balance-finite element method (HBFEM). The HBFEM is used to solve various harmonic, eddy-current, hysteresis, and nonlinear problems applied to magnetic circuits used in switching power supplies. To evaluate the numerical results, comparisons are made with experimental results.