New transformer for high power and high-frequency applications

Murata has announced a new transformer technology for high power, high-frequency applications that utilise a novel winding technique to enable designers to efficiently reach power and frequency levels that were not possible with conventional winding methods.

The company's patented pdqb winding technology makes it feasible to construct high-frequency transformers of up to and over 400kW that can perform at frequencies as high as 50kHz. The winding technique overcomes the skin and proximity effects as well as other high-frequency losses connected with conventional construction methods, producing an efficient (>99.5%) solution in a compact footprint.

There are several further benefits to the winding technique, comprising an increased working voltage and elevated isolation voltage (up to 10kV). The leakage inductance is extremely controllable, and interwinding capacitance is low, both of which improve performance in customer’s designs.

Thermal performance is also improved, removing the space demands and cost connected with heatsinking. Each design can be optimised by a mixture of the company's transformer expertise and their simulation software.

Commenting on the release, Andrea Polti, global product manager, Murata said: “More than just launching a series of standard transformers, the HPHF solution really showcases a technology capability that allows us at Murata to provide customised solutions to meet or exceed specific customer requirements.”

Transformers using the technology are ideal for challenging applications including eV/HeV fast charging, renewable energy, railway, smart grid energy distribution and medical applications including x-ray and MRI systems.