Effective modeling of leakage inductance for use in circuit simulation

Theoretical methods for the calculation of winding losses with respect to frequency have been well documented, but the variation in leakage inductance of magnetic components due to frequency has been less well addressed. In this paper Dowell's well-known theoretical approach is tested using measurements and finite element analyses. The results presented show deficiencies in the accuracy of models generated using Dowell's approach and highlight the trade-offs between model complexity, simulation time and accuracy when the finite element analysis method is applied. An alternative behavioural model is presented which models the frequency variation in leakage inductance accurately, is easy to characterize from simple measurements or calculations and is robust.