Design and Optimization Method of PCB-Integrated Inductors for High-Frequency Converters

Power electronic converters require energy storage components. Power converters based on Silicon devices need magnetic storage components which take a large volume. The power GaN transistors allow to increase the operating frequency of power converters. The consequence is a reduction of the values and the dimensions of the passive components mainly inductors. In this paper, a PCB -integrated inductor design method is proposed for 1MHz GaN boost converter. It is based on the optimization of the inductor volume taking into account thermal issues. Also, a simulation method is proposed to calculate the stray capacitance of the inductor. The inductor is integrated on the PCB of the boost converter with a ferrite sheets used as magnetic material.