Ferrites and accessories

General – Definitions

Date: May 2017

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 General
Definitions
General – Definitions
1 Hysteresis
The special feature of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials is that spontaneous magnetization
sets in below a material-specific temperature (Curie point). The elementary atomic magnets are
then aligned in parallel within macroscopic regions. These so-called Weiss’ domains are normally
oriented so that no magnetic effect is perceptible. But it is different when a ferromagnetic body is
placed in a magnetic field and the flux density B as a function of the magnetic field strength H is
measured with the aid of a test coil. Proceeding from H = 0 and B = 0, the so-called initial magneti-
zation curve is first obtained. At low levels of field strength, those domains that are favorably
oriented to the magnetic field grow at the expense of those that are not. This produces what are
called wall displacements. At higher field strength, whole domains overturn magnetically – this is
the steepest part of the curve – and finally the magnetic moments are moved out of the preferred
states given by the crystal lattice into the direction of the field until saturation is obtained, i.e. until
all elementary magnets in the material are in the direction of the field. If H is now reduced again, the
B curve is completely different. The relationship shown in the hysteresis loop (figure 1) is obtained.

1.1 Hysteresis loop

Initial
magnetization
curve
Initial
magnetization
curves

Commutation
curve

Figure 1 Figure 2
Magnetization curve Hysteresis loops for different
(schematic) excitations and materials

I ⋅ N ampere-turns A
-----
Magnetic field strength H = ----------- = -----------------------------------
l length in m m

φ magnetic flux Vs
Magnetic flux density B = ---- = ------------------------------------------ ------- = [ T(Tesla) ]
A permeated area m2

Polarization J J = B – μ0 H μ0 ⋅ H « JB≈J
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General relationship between B and H:

B = μ0 ⋅ μr ( H ) ⋅ H μ 0 = Magnetic field constant
Vs
---------
μ 0 = 1.257 ⋅ 10 – 6 Am

μ r = Relative permeability

In a vacuum, μr = 1; in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials the relation B(H) becomes nonlinear

and the slope of the hysteresis loop μr 1. »
1.2 Basic parameters of the hysteresis loop
1.2.1 Initial magnetization curve
The initial magnetization curve describes the relationship B = μr μ0 H for the first magnetization fol-
lowing a complete demagnetization. By joining the end points of all “sub-loops”, from H = 0 to
H = Hmax, (as shown in figure 1), we obtain the so-called commutation curve (also termed normal
or mean magnetization curve), which, for magnetically soft ferrite materials, coincides with the initial
magnetization curve.

1.2.2 Saturation magnetization BS

The saturation magnetization BS is defined as the maximum flux density attainable in a material (i.e.
for a very high field strength) at a given temperature; above this value BS, it is not possible to further
increase B(H) by further increasing H.
Technically, BS is defined as the flux density at a field strength of H = 1200 A/m. As is confirmed in
the actual magnetization curves in the chapter on “Materials”, the B(H) characteristic above
1200 A/m remains roughly constant (applies to all ferrites with high initial permeability, i.e. where
μ ≥1000).

1.2.3 Remanent flux density BR(H)

The remanent flux density (residual magnetization density) is a measure of the degree of residual
magnetization in the ferrite after traversing a hysteresis loop. If the magnetic field H is subsequently
reduced to zero, the ferrite still has a material-specific flux density BR ≠ 0 (see figure 1: intersection
with the ordinate H = 0).

1.2.4 Coercive field strength HC

The flux density B can be reduced to zero again by applying a specific opposing field –HC
(see figure 1: intersection with the abscissa B = 0).
The demagnetized state can be restored at any time by:
a) traversing the hysteresis loop at a high frequency and simultaneously reducing the field
strength H to H = 0.
b) by exceeding the Curie temperature TC.

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2 Permeability
Different relative permeabilities μ are defined on the basis of the hysteresis loop for the various elec-
tromagnetic applications.

2.1 Initial permeability μi

1 ΔB
μ i = ------ ⋅ -------- ( ΔH → 0 )
μ 0 ΔH

The initial permeability μi defines the relative permeability at very low excitation levels and
constitutes the most important means of comparison for soft magnetic materials. According to
IEC 60401-3, μi is defined using closed magnetic circuits (e.g. a closed ring-shaped cylindrical coil)
for f ≤10 kHz, B <0.25 mT, T = 25 °C.

2.2 Effective permeability μe

Most core shapes in use today do not have closed magnetic paths (only ring, double E or double-
aperture cores have closed magnetic circuits), rather the circuit consists of regions where μi ≠ 1
(ferrite material) and μi = 1 (air gap). Figure 3 shows the shape of the hysteresis loop of a circuit of
this type.
In practice, an effective permeability μe is defined for cores with air gaps.

1 L l l
μ e = ------ ------2-
μ0 N  ---A-  ---A- = Form factor
L = Inductance
N = Number of turns

It should be noted, for example, that the loss factor tan δ and the temperature coefficient for gapped
cores reduce in the ratio μe/μi compared to ungapped cores.

without air gap with air gap

Figure 3
Comparison of hysteresis loops for a core with and without an air gap

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The following approximation applies for an air gap s « le:

μi
μ e = -----------------------
s
1 + ---- ⋅ μ i
le

s = Width of air gap

le = Effective magnetic path length
For more precise calculation methods, see for example E.C. Snelling, “Soft ferrites”, 2nd edition.

2.3 Apparent permeability μapp

L inductance with core
μ app = ------ = ---------------------------------------------------------------
L0 inductance without core

The definition of μapp is particularly important for specification of the permeability for coils with tubu-
lar, cylindrical and threaded cores, since an unambiguous relationship between initial permeability
μi and effective permeability μe is not possible on account of the high leakage inductances. The de-
sign of the winding and the spatial correlation between coil and core have a considerable influence
on μapp. A precise specification of μapp requires a precise specification of the measuring coil ar-
rangement.

2.4 Complex permeability μ

To enable a better comparison of ferrite materials and their frequency characteristics at very low
field strengths (in order to take into consideration the phase displacement between voltage and
current), it is useful to introduce μ as a complex operator, i.e. a complex permeability μ, according
to the following relationship:
μ = μs' – j . μs"
where, in terms of a series equivalent circuit, (see figure 5)
μs' is the relative real (inductance) component of μ
and μs" is the relative imaginary (loss) component of μ.
Using the complex permeability μ, the (complex) impedance of the coil can be calculated:
Z = j ω μ L0
where L0 represents the inductance of a core of permeability μr = 1, but with unchanged flux
distribution.
(cf. also section 4.1: information on tan δ)

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Figure 4
Complex permeability versus frequency
(measured on R10 toroids, N48 material, measuring flux density B̂ ≤0.25 mT)

Figure 4 shows the characteristic shape of the curves of μs' and μs" as functions of the frequency,
using N48 material as an example. The real component μs' is constant at low frequencies, attains
a maximum at higher frequencies and then drops in approximately inverse proportion to f. At the
same time, μ" rises steeply from a very small value at low frequencies to attain a distinct maximum
and, past this, also drops as the frequency is further increased.
The region in which μ' decreases sharply and where the μ" maximum occurs is termed the cut-off
frequency fcutoff. This is inversely proportional to the initial permeability of the material (Snoek’s law).

2.5 Reversible permeability μrev

1 ΔB
 -------
μ rev = ------ ⋅ lim - (Permeability with superimposed DC field HDC)
μ 0 ΔH → 0  ΔH H
DC

In order to measure the reversible permeability μrev, a small measuring alternating field is superim-
posed on a DC field. In this case μrev is heavily dependent on HDC, the core geometry and the tem-
perature.
Important application areas for DC field-superimposed, i.e. magnetically biased coils are broadband
transformer systems (feeding currents with signal superimposition) and power engineering (shifting
the operating point) and the area known as “nonlinear chokes” (cf. chapter on RM cores). For the
magnetic bias curves as a function of the excitation HDC see the chapter on “SIFERRIT materials”.

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2.6 Amplitude permeability μa, AL1 value

B̂
μ a = ---------- (Permeability at high excitation)
μ0 Ĥ

B = Peak value of flux density

H = Peak value of field strength

For frequencies well below cut-off frequency, μa is not frequency-dependent but there is a strong
dependence on temperature. The amplitude permeability is an important definition quantity for pow-
er ferrites. It is defined for specific core types by means of an AL1 value for f ≤10 kHz, B = 320 mT
(or 200 mT), T = 100 °C.

μ0 ⋅ μa
A L1 = ----------------
l
 ----
A

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3 Magnetic core shape characteristics

Permeabilities and also other magnetic parameters are generally defined as material-specific quan-
tities. For a particular core shape, however, the magnetic data are influenced to a significant extent
by the geometry. Thus, the inductance of a slim-line ring core coil is defined as:
A
L = μ r ⋅ μ 0 ⋅ N 2 ⋅ ----
l

Due to their geometry, soft magnetic ferrite cores in the field of such a coil change the flux param-
eters in such a way that it is necessary to specify a series of effective core shape parameters in
each data sheet. The following are defined:
le Effective magnetic length
Ae Effective magnetic cross section
Amin Min. magnetic cross section of the core
(required to calculate the max. flux density)
V e = Ae · le Effective magnetic volume
With the aid of these parameters, the calculation for ferrite cores with complicated shapes can be
reduced to the considerably more simple problem of an imaginary ring core with the same magnetic
properties. The basis for this is provided by the methods of calculation according to IEC 60205,
which allow to calculate the effective core shape parameters of different core shapes.

3.1 Form factor

l le
 ---A- = -----
Ae
-

The inductance L can then be calculated as follows:

μe ⋅ μ0 ⋅ N 2
L = ------------------------------
l
 ----
A

where μe denotes the effective permeability or another permeability μrev or μa (or μi for cores with a
closed magnetic path) adapted for the B/H range in question.

3.2 Inductance factor, AL value

L μe ⋅ μ0
A L = -------2- = ----------------
N l

----
A

AL is the inductance referred to number of turns = 1. Therefore, for a defined number of turns N:

L = AL · N 2

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Definitions

3.3 Tolerance code letters

The tolerances of the AL are coded by the letters in the third block of the ordering code in conformity
with IEC 62358.

Code letter Tolerance of AL value Code letter Tolerance of AL value

A ±3% L ±15%
B ±4% M ±20%
C ±6% Q +30/–10%
D ±8% R +30/–20%
E ±7% U +80/–0%
H ±12% X filling letter
J ±5% Y +40/–30%
K ±10%

The tolerance values available are given in the individual data sheets.

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4 Definition quantities in the small-signal range

4.1 Loss factor tan δ
Losses in the small-signal range are specified by the loss factor tan δ.
Based on the impedance Z (cf. also section 2.4), the loss factor of the core in conjunction with the
complex permeability μ is defined as

μ s'' Rs μ p'' ω ⋅ Lp
tan δ s = -------- = ---------- and tan δ p = -------- = --------------
μ s' ωL s μ p' Rp

where Rs and Rp denote the series and parallel resistance

and Ls and Lp the series and parallel inductance respectively.
Lp
Ls Rs

Rp

Figure 5 Figure 6
Lossless series inductance Ls with loss Lossless parallel inductance Lp with loss
resistance Rs resulting from the core losses. resistance Rp resulting from the core losses.

From the relationships between series and parallel circuits we obtain:

μ p' = μ s' ⋅ ( 1 + ( tan δ ) 2 )

1 2
μ p'' = μ s'' ⋅  1 +  ------------ 
  tan δ 

4.2 Relative loss factor tan δ/μi

In gapped cores the material loss factor tan δ is reduced by the factor μe/μi. This results in the rela-
tive loss factor tan δe (cf. also section 2.2):
tan δ
tan δ e = ------------- ⋅ μ e
μi

The table of material properties lists the relative loss factor tan δ/μi. This is determined to
IEC 60401-3 at B = 0.25 mT, T = 25 °C.

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4.3 Quality factor Q

The ratio of reactance to total resistance of an induction coil is known as the quality factor Q.

ωL reactance
Q = ------- = ----------------------------------------
RL total resistance

The total quality factor Q is the reciprocal of the total loss factor tan δ of the coil; it is dependent on
the frequency, inductance, temperature, winding wire and permeability of the core.

4.4 Hysteresis loss resistance Rh and hysteresis material constant ηB

In transformers, in particular, the user cannot always be content with very low saturation. The user
requires details of the losses which occur at higher saturation, e.g. where the hysteresis loop begins
to open.
Since this hysteresis loss resistance Rh can rise sharply in different flux density ranges and at
different frequencies, it is measured to IEC 60401-3 for μi values greater than 500 at B1 = 1.5
and B2 = 3 mT (ΔB = 1.5 mT), a frequency of 10 kHz and a temperature of 25 °C (for μi < 500:
f = 100 kHz, B1 = 0.3 mT, B2 = 1.2 mT). The hysteresis loss factor tan δh can then be calculated
from this.
Rh
tan δ h = ----------- = tan δ ( B 2 ) – tan δ ( B 1 )
ω⋅L

For the hysteresis material constant ηB we obtain:

tan δ h
η B = -------------------
μ e ⋅ Δ B̂

The hysteresis material constant, ηB, characterizes the material-specific hysteresis losses and is a
quantity independent of the air gap in a magnetic circuit.
The hysteresis loss factor of an inductor can be reduced, at a constant flux density, by means of an
(additional) air gap

tan δ h = η B ⋅ Δ B̂ ⋅ μ e

For further details on the measurement techniques see IEC 62044-2.

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5 Definition quantities in the high-excitation range

While in the small-signal range (H ≤ Hc), i.e. in filter and broadband applications, the hysteresis loop
is generally traversed only in lancet form (figure 2), for power applications the hysteresis loop is driv-
en partly into saturation. The defining quantities are then
μrev = reversible permeability in the case of superimposition with a DC signal
(operating point for power transformers)
μa = amplitude permeability and
PV = core losses.

5.1 Core losses PV

The losses of a ferrite core or core set PV is proportional to the area of the hysteresis loop in ques-
tion. It can be divided into three components:
P V = P V, hysteresis + P V, eddycurrent + P V, residual

Owing to the high specific resistance of ferrite materials, the eddy current losses in the frequency
range common today (1 kHz to 2 MHz) may be practically disregarded except in the case of core
shapes having a large cross-sectional area.
The power loss PV is a function of the temperature T, the frequency f, the flux density B and is of
course dependent on ferrite material and core shape.
The temperature dependence can generally be approximated by means of a third-order polynomial,
while

P V (f ) ∼ f ( 1 + x ) 0≤x≤1

applies for the frequency dependence and

PV ( B ) ∼ B( 2 + y) 0≤y≤1

for the flux density dependence. The coefficients x and y are dependent on core shape and mate-
rial, and there is a mutual dependence between the coefficients of the definition quantity (e.g. T)
and the relevant parameter set (e.g. f, B).
In the case of cores which are suitable for power applications, the total core losses PV are given
explicitly for a specific frequency f, flux density B and temperature T in the relevant data sheets.
When determining the total power loss for an inductive component, the winding losses must also be
taken into consideration in addition to the core-specific losses.
P V, tot = P V, core + P V, winding

where, in addition to insulation conditions in the given frequency range, skin effect and proximity
effect must also be taken into consideration for the winding.

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5.2 Performance factor (PF = f · Bmax)

The performance factor is a measure of the maximum power which a ferrite can transmit, whereby
it is generally assumed that the loss does not exceed 300 kW/m3. Heat dissipation values of this
order are usually assumed when designing small and medium-sized transformers. Increasing the
performance factor will either enable an increase of the power that can be transformed by a core of
identical design, or a reduction in component size if the transformed power is not increased.
If the performance factors of different power transformer materials are plotted as a function of fre-
quency, only slight differences are observed at low frequencies (<300 kHz), but these differences
become more pronounced with increasing frequency. This diagram can be used to determine the
optimum material for a given frequency range.

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6 Influence of temperature
6.1 μ(T) curve, Curie temperature TC
The initial permeability μi as a function of T is given for all materials (see chapter on SIFERRIT ma-
terials). Important parameters for a μ(T) curve are the position of the secondary permeability max-
imum (SPM) and the Curie temperature. Minimum losses occur at the SPM temperature.
Above the Curie temperature TC ferrite materials lose their ferrimagnetic properties, i.e. μi drops to
μi = 1. This means that the parallel alignment of the elementary magnets (spontaneous magnetiza-
tion) is destroyed by increasing thermal activation. This phenomenon is reversible, i.e. when the
temperature is reduced below TC again, the ferrimagnetic properties are restored.
The Curie tempertature TC is defined as the cross of the straight line between 80% and 20% of Lmax
with the temperature axes (figure 7).

Figure 7
Definition of Curie temperature

6.2 Temperature coefficient of permeability α

By definition the temperature coefficient α represents a straight line of average gradient between
the reference temperatures T1 and T2. If the μ(T) curve is approximately linear in this temperature
range, this is a good approximation; in the case of heavily pronounced maxima, as occur particularly
with highly permeable broadband ferrites, however, this is less true. The following applies:
μ i2 – μ i1 1
α = --------------------- ⋅ ------------------
μ i1 T2 – T1

μi1 = Initial permeability μi at T1 = 25 °C

μi2 = The initial permeability μi associated with the temperature T2

6.3 Relative temperature coefficient α F

α μ i2 – μ i1 1
α F = ---- = --------------------- ⋅ ------------------
μi μ i2 ⋅ μ i1 T 2 – T 1

In a magnetic circuit with an air gap and the effective permeability μe the temperature coefficient is
reduced by the factor μe/μi (cf. also section 2.2).

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6.4 Permeability factor

μ i2 – μ i1
The first factor in the equation for determining the relative temperature coefficient --------------------- is known
μ i2 ⋅ μ i1
as the permeability factor.
In the case of SIFERRIT materials for resonant circuits, the temperature dependence of the perme-
ability factor can be seen from the relevant diagram.

6.5 Effective temperature coefficient α e

μe
α e = ------ ⋅ α
μi

In the case of the ferrite materials for filter applications, the α/μi values for the ranges 25 to 55 °C
and 5 to 25 °C are given in the table of material properties.
The effective permeability μe is required in order to calculate αe; therefore this is given for each core
in the individual data sheets.

6.6 Relationship between the change in inductance and the permeability factor
The relative change in inductance between two temperature points can be calculated as follows:

L2 – L1 α
------------------ = ---- ⋅ ( T 2 – T 1 ) ⋅ μ e
L1 μi

L2 – L1 μ i2 – μ i1
-μ
------------------ = --------------------
L1 μ i2 ⋅ μ i1 e

6.7 Temperature dependence of saturation magnetization

The saturation magnetization BS drops monotonically with temperature and at TC has fallen to
BS = 0 mT. The drop for BS(25 °C) and BS(100 °C), i.e. the main area of application for the ferrites,
can be taken from the table of material properties.

6.8 Temperature dependence of saturation-dependent permeability

(amplitude permeability)
It can be seen from the μa(B) curves for the different materials that μa exhibits a more pronounced
maximum with increasing temperature and drops off sooner on account of decreasing saturation.

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7 Disaccommodation
Ferrimagnetic states of equilibrium can be influenced by mechanical, thermal or magnetic changes
(shocks). Generally, an increase in permeability occurs when a greater mobility of individual mag-
netic domains is attained through the external application of energy. This state is not temporally sta-
ble and returns logarithmically with time to the original state.

7.1 Disaccommodation coefficient d

μ i1 – μ i2
d = -----------------------------------------
μ i1 ⋅ ( lgt 2 – lgt 1 )

μi1 = Permeability at time t1

μi2 = Permeability at time t2 and t2 > t1

7.2 Disaccommodation factor DF

d
DF = -------
μ i1

Accordingly, a change in inductance can be calculated with the aid of DF:

L1 – L2 t
------------------ = DF ⋅ μ e ⋅ log ---2-
L1 t1

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8 General mechanical, thermal, electrical and magnetic properties of ferrites

Typical figures for the mechanical and thermal properties of ferrites

Tensile strength approx. 30 N/mm2

Compressive strength approx. 800 N/mm2
Vickers hardness HV15 approx. 600 N/mm2
Modulus of elasticity approx. 150000 N/mm2
Fracture toughness K1c approx. 0.8 … 1.1 MPa·m1/2
Thermal conductivity approx. 4 … 7·10-3 J/mm·s·K
Coefficient of linear expansion approx. 7 … 10·10-6 1/K
Specific heat approx. 0.7 J/g·K

8.1 Mechanical properties

Ferrite cores have to meet mechanical requirements during assembling and for a growing number
of applications. Since ferrites are ceramic materials one has to be aware of the special behavior
under mechanical load.
As valid for any ceramic material, ferrite cores are brittle and sensitive to any shock, fast changing
or tensile load. Especially high cooling rates under ultrasonic cleaning and high static or cyclic loads
can cause cracks or failure of the ferrite cores.

Figure 8
Weibull plot of fracture strength values of the materials T38 and N87

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There are two modes of crack growth: fast (critical) or slow (subcritical) crack propagation. In the
first case spontaneous breakdown occurs. In the second case the crack propagates slowly during
static or cycling loading, and then the sample can only fail if a critical crack length is achieved.
According to the linear elastic fracture mechanics these two mechanisms could be described in
terms of stress intensity factors. For life time predictions the knowledge of subcritical crack growth
and R- (respectively KR–) curve behavior of the material is essential.
The reduction of the material strength by temperature induced propagating microstructural cracks
can be described as follows:
E0
σ = α ⋅ ΔT -------------------------2-
1 + 2πNl

σ Effective strength
α Coefficient of thermal expansion (7 to 12 · 10-6 1/K)
E0 Modulus of elasticity
N Number of temperature changes
l Crack length

The brittleness of ferrite materials can be quantified by means of the fracture toughness. High frac-
ture toughness values indicate decreased material brittleness. The quantity of the fracture tough-
ness is a measure for the stress in the core necessary for a propagating crack. For the crack prop-
agation it is required that the stress intensity factor exceeds the fracture toughness.

K 1 ≥ K 1C with K 1 = σ appl l ⋅ Y and K 1C = G CE

K1 Stress intensity facture

K1C Fracture toughness
σappl Applied stress
Y Factor for fracture/sample geometry
GC Critical fracture area energy
E Modulus of elasticity
Typical fracture toughness values are approx. 0.8 to 1.1 MPa·m1/2.
Ferrite materials have a pronounced R curve behavior, i. e. the fracture toughness increases with
propagating crack length. In practice there is a rather tolerant behavior towards moderate single
stress events.

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8.2 Stress sensitivity of magnetic properties

Stresses in the core affect not only the mechanical but also the magnetic properties. It is apparent
that the initial permeability is dependent on the stress state of the core. With
1 –6 1
μ i ≅ ---------------------------- ; k ≈ 30 ⋅ 10 ⋅ -------------
1 MPa
------- + k ⋅ σ T
μ io
where μio is the initial permeability of the unstressed material, it can be shown that the higher the
stresses are in the core, the lower is the value for the initial permeability. Embedding the ferrite
cores (e.g. in plastic) can induce these stresses. A permeability reduction of up to 50% and more
can be observed, depending on the material. In this case, the embedding medium should have the
greatest possible elasticity.

8.3 Magnetostriction
Linear magnetostriction is defined as the relative change in length of a magnetic core under the in-
fluence of a magnetic field. The greatest relative variation in length λ = Δl/l occurs at saturation mag-
netization. The values of the saturation magnetostriction (λs) of our ferrite materials are given in the
following table (negative values denote contraction).

SIFFERIT K1 N48
material
λs in 10–6 –18 –1.5

Magnetostrictive effects are of significance principally when a coil is operated in the frequency
range <20 kHz and then undesired audible frequency effects (distortion etc.) occur.

8.4 Resistance to radiation

SIFERRIT materials can be exposed to the following radiation without significant variation
(ΔL/L ≤1% for ungapped cores):
gamma quanta: 109 rad
quick neutrons 2 · 1020 neutrons/m2
thermal neutrons 2 · 1022 neutrons/m2

8.5 Resistivity ρ, dielectric constant ε

At room temperature, ferrites have a resistivity in the range 1 Ωm to 105 Ωm; this value is usually
higher at the grain boundaries than in the grain interior. The temperature dependence of the core
resistivity corresponds to that of a semiconductor:
Ea
----------
-
k⋅T
ρ∼e

Ea Activation energy (0.1 to 0.5 eV)

k Boltzmann constant
T Absolute temperature (K)

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Thus the resistivity at 100 °C is one order of magnitude less than at 25 °C, which is significant, par-
ticularly in power applications, for the magnitude of the eddy-current losses.
Similarly, the resistivity decreases with increasing frequency.
Example: Material N48

Figure 9
Resistivity and dielectric constant versus frequency

The different resistivity values for grain interior and grain boundary result in high (apparent) dielec-
tric constants ε at low frequencies. The dielectric constant ε for all ferrites falls to values around
10 to 20 at very high frequencies. NiZn ferrites already reach this value range at frequencies around
100 kHz.

SIFFERIT Resistivity Dielectric constant ε at (approximate values)

material (approx.)
Ωm 10 kHz 100 kHz 1 MHz 100 MHz 300 MHz
K1 (NiZn) 105 30 15 12 11 11
N48 (MnZn) 1 140 · 103 115 · 103 80 · 103

Magnetostrictive effects are of significance principally when a coil is operated in the frequency
range <20 kHz and then undesired audible frequency effects occur.

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9 Coil characteristics
Resistance factor AR
The resistance factor AR, or AR value, is the DC resistance RCu per unit turn, analogous to the AL
value.
R Cu
A R = ---------
2
-
N

When the AR value and number of turns N are given, the DC resistance can be calculated from
RCU = AR N 2.
From the winding data etc. the AR value can be calculated as follows:
ρ ⋅ IN
A R = -------------------
f Cu ⋅ A N

where ρ = resistivity (for copper: 17.2 μΩ mm), IN = average length of turn in mm, AN = cross sec-
tion of winding in mm2, fCu = copper space factor. If these units are used in the equation, the AR
value is obtained in μΩ = 10-6 Ω. For calculation of IN and AN the middle dimensions are used.
For coil formers, AR values are given in addition to AN and lN. They are based on a copper filling
factor of fCu = 0.5. This permits the AR value to be calculated for any filling factor fCu:
0.5
AR ( f = A R ( 0.5 ) ⋅ --------
Cu ) f Cu

For rough estimation a copper filling factor of fCu = 0.5 is sufficient.

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 21 5/17
 Important notes

The following applies to all products named in this publication:

1. Some parts of this publication contain statements about the suitability of our products for
certain areas of application. These statements are based on our knowledge of typical require-
ments that are often placed on our products in the areas of application concerned. We never-
theless expressly point out that such statements cannot be regarded as binding statements
about the suitability of our products for a particular customer application. As a rule, EP-
COS is either unfamiliar with individual customer applications or less familiar with them than the
customers themselves. For these reasons, it is always ultimately incumbent on the customer to
check and decide whether an EPCOS product with the properties described in the product spec-
ification is suitable for use in a particular customer application.
2. We also point out that in individual cases, a malfunction of electronic components or fail-
ure before the end of their usual service life cannot be completely ruled out in the current
state of the art, even if they are operated as specified. In customer applications requiring a
very high level of operational safety and especially in customer applications in which the mal-
function or failure of an electronic component could endanger human life or health (e.g. in acci-
dent prevention or life-saving systems), it must therefore be ensured by means of suitable de-
sign of the customer application or other action taken by the customer (e.g. installation of pro-
tective circuitry or redundancy) that no injury or damage is sustained by third parties in the event
of malfunction or failure of an electronic component.
3. The warnings, cautions and product-specific notes must be observed.
4. In order to satisfy certain technical requirements, some of the products described in this pub-
lication may contain substances subject to restrictions in certain jurisdictions (e.g. be-
cause they are classed as hazardous). Useful information on this will be found in our Material
Data Sheets on the Internet (www.epcos.com/material). Should you have any more detailed
questions, please contact our sales offices.
5. We constantly strive to improve our products. Consequently, the products described in this
publication may change from time to time. The same is true of the corresponding product
specifications. Please check therefore to what extent product descriptions and specifications
contained in this publication are still applicable before or when you place an order.
We also reserve the right to discontinue production and delivery of products. Consequent-
ly, we cannot guarantee that all products named in this publication will always be available. The
aforementioned does not apply in the case of individual agreements deviating from the foregoing
for customer-specific products.
6. Unless otherwise agreed in individual contracts, all orders are subject to the current version
of the “General Terms of Delivery for Products and Services in the Electrical Industry”
published by the German Electrical and Electronics Industry Association (ZVEI).
7. The trade names EPCOS, CeraCharge, CeraDiode, CeraLink, CeraPad, CeraPlas, CSMP,
CTVS, DeltaCap, DigiSiMic, ExoCore, FilterCap, FormFit, LeaXield, MiniBlue, MiniCell, MKD,
MKK, MotorCap, PCC, PhaseCap, PhaseCube, PhaseMod, PhiCap, PowerHap, PQSine,
PQvar, SIFERRIT, SIFI, SIKOREL, SilverCap, SIMDAD, SiMic, SIMID, SineFormer, SIOV,
ThermoFuse, WindCap are trademarks registered or pending in Europe and in other
countries. Further information will be found on the Internet at www.epcos.com/trademarks.

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 22 5/17
 Ferrites and accessories
Symbols and terms
Symbols and terms

Symbol Meaning Unit

A Cross section of coil mm2
Ae Effective magnetic cross section mm2
AL Inductance factor; AL = L/N2 nH
AL1 Minimum inductance at defined high saturation ( μa) nH
Amin Minimum core cross section mm2
AN Winding cross section mm2
AR Resistance factor; AR = RCu /N2 μΩ = 10–6 Ω
B RMS value of magnetic flux density Vs/m2, mT
ΔB Flux density deviation Vs/m2, mT
B̂ Peak value of magnetic flux density Vs/m2, mT
ΔB̂ Peak value of flux density deviation Vs/m2, mT
BDC DC magnetic flux density Vs/m2, mT
BR Remanent flux density Vs/m2, mT
BS Saturation magnetization Vs/m2, mT
C0 Winding capacitance F = As/ V
CDF Core distortion factor mm–4.5
DF Relative disaccommodation coefficient DF = d/μi
d Disaccommodation coefficient
Ea Activation energy J
f Frequency s–1, Hz
fcutoff Cut-off frequency s–1, Hz
fmax Upper frequency limit s–1, Hz
fmin Lower frequency limit s–1, Hz
fr Resonance frequency s–1, Hz
fCu Copper filling factor
g Air gap mm
H RMS value of magnetic field strength A/m
Ĥ Peak value of magnetic field strength A/m
HDC DC field strength A/m
Hc Coercive field strength A/m
h Hysteresis coefficient of material 10–6 cm/A
h/μi 2 Relative hysteresis coefficient 10–6 cm/A
I RMS value of current A
IDC Direct current A
Î Peak value of current A
J Polarization Vs/m2
k Boltzmann constant J/K
k3 Third harmonic distortion
k3c Circuit third harmonic distortion
L Inductance H = Vs/A

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 23 5/17
 Ferrites and accessories
Symbols and terms

Symbol Meaning Unit

ΔL/L Relative inductance change H
L0 Inductance of coil without core H
LH Main inductance H
Lp Parallel inductance H
Lrev Reversible inductance H
Ls Series inductance H
le Effective magnetic path length mm
lN Average length of turn mm
N Number of turns
PCu Copper (winding) losses W
Ptrans Transferrable power W
PV Relative core losses mW/g
PF Performance factor
Q Quality factor (Q = ωL/Rs = 1/tan δL)
R Resistance Ω
RCu Copper (winding) resistance (f = 0) Ω
Rh Hysteresis loss resistance of a core Ω
ΔRh Rh change Ω
Ri Internal resistance Ω
Rp Parallel loss resistance of a core Ω
Rs Series loss resistance of a core Ω
Rth Thermal resistance K/W
RV Effective loss resistance of a core Ω
s Total air gap mm
T Temperature °C
ΔT Temperature difference K
TC Curie temperature °C
t Time s
tv Pulse duty factor
tan δ Loss factor
tan δL Loss factor of coil
tan δr (Residual) loss factor at H → 0
tan δe Relative loss factor
tan δh Hysteresis loss factor
tan δ/μi Relative loss factor of material at H → 0
U RMS value of voltage V
Û Peak value of voltage V
Ve Effective magnetic volume mm3
Z Complex impedance Ω
Zn Normalized impedance |Z|n = |Z| /N 2 × ε (le /Ae) Ω/mm

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 24 5/17
 Ferrites and accessories
Symbols and terms

Symbol Meaning Unit

α Temperature coefficient (TK) 1/K
αF Relative temperature coefficient of material 1/K
αe Temperature coefficient of effective permeability 1/K
εr Relative permittivity
Φ Magnetic flux Vs
η Efficiency of a transformer
ηB Hysteresis material constant mT-1
ηi Hysteresis core constant A–1H–1/2
λs Magnetostriction at saturation magnetization
μ Relative complex permeability
μ0 Magnetic field constant Vs/Am
μa Relative amplitude permeability
μapp Relative apparent permeability
μe Relative effective permeability
μi Relative initial permeability
μ p' Relative real (inductive) component of μ (for parallel components)
μ p" Relative imaginary (loss) component of μ (for parallel components)
μr Relative permeability
μrev Relative reversible permeability
μs' Relative real (inductive) component of μ (for series components)
μs" Relative imaginary (loss) component of μ (for series components)
μtot Relative total permeability
derived from the static magnetization curve
ρ Resistivity Ωm–1
Σl/A Magnetic form factor mm–1
τCu DC time constant τCu = L/RCu = AL/AR s
ω Angular frequency; ω = 2 Πf s–1

All dimensions are given in mm.

Surface-mount device

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 25 5/17
 Ferrites and accessories
Cautions and warnings
Cautions and warnings
Mechanical stress and mounting
Ferrite cores have to meet mechanical requirements during assembling and for a growing number
of applications. Since ferrites are ceramic materials one has to be aware of the special behavior
under mechanical load.
As valid for any ceramic material, ferrite cores are brittle and sensitive to any shock, fast tempera-
ture changing or tensile load. Especially high cooling rates under ultrasonic cleaning and high static
or cyclic loads can cause cracks or failure of the ferrite cores.
For detailed information see data book, chapter “General - Definitions, 8.1”.

Effects of core combination on AL value

Stresses in the core affect not only the mechanical but also the magnetic properties. It is apparent
that the initial permeability is dependent on the stress state of the core. The higher the stresses are
in the core, the lower is the value for the initial permeability. Thus the embedding medium should
have the greatest possible elasticity.
For detailed information see data book, chapter “General - Definitions, 8.1”.

Heating up
Ferrites can run hot during operation at higher flux densities and higher frequencies.

NiZn-materials
The magnetic properties of NiZn-materials can change irreversible in high magnetic fields.

Ferrite Accessories
EPCOS ferrite accessories have been designed and evaluated only in combination with EPCOS
ferrite cores. EPCOS explicitly points out that EPCOS ferrite accessories or EPCOS ferrite cores
may not be compatible with those of other manufacturers. Any such combination requires prior te-
sting by the customer and will be at the customer‘s own risk.
EPCOS assumes no warranty or reliability for the combination of EPCOS ferrite accessories with
cores and other accessories from any other manufacturer.

Processing remarks
The start of the winding process should be soft. Else the flanges may be destroyed.
– Too strong winding forces may blast the flanges or squeeze the tube that the cores can not be
mounted any more.
– Too long soldering time at high temperature (>300 °C) may effect coplanarity or pin arrange-
ment.
– Not following the processing notes for soldering of the J-leg terminals may cause solderability
problems at the transformer because of pollution with Sn oxyde of the tin bath or burned insula-
tion of the wire. For detailed information see chapter “Processing notes”, section 2.2.
– The dimensions of the hole arrangement have fixed values and should be understood as
a recommendation for drilling the printed circuit board. For dimensioning the pins, the group
of holes can only be seen under certain conditions, as they fit into the given hole arrangement.
To avoid problems when mounting the transformer, the manufacturing tolerances for positioning
the customers’ drilling process must be considered by increasing the hole diameter.

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 26 5/17
 Ferrites and accessories
Cautions and warnings

Display of ordering codes for EPCOS products

The ordering code for one and the same product can be represented differently in data sheets,
data books, other publications and the website of EPCOS, or in order-related documents such as
shipping notes, order confirmations and product labels. The varying representations of the
ordering codes are due to different processes employed and do not affect the
specifications of the respective products. Detailed information can be found on the Internet
under www.epcos.com/orderingcodes.

Please read Cautions and warnings and

Important notes at the end of this document. 27 5/17