Core loss predictions for general PWM waveforms from a simplified set of measured data

A method to generalize square-wave core-loss data to predict core loss with any common rectangular voltage waveform is proposed. An automated measurement system was used to collect the required square-wave core characterization data for ferrite and powdered-iron cores, and to collect additional data to assess the accuracy of the method for other voltage waveforms. Measurement data is presented and the application of the method in power-electronics design is discussed.