Three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation analysis of amorphous ferromagnetic microwires

Amorphous microwires cast from ferromagnetic Fe-based alloys have very unique magneto-anisotropic and high frequency impedance properties that make them very attractive for power electronics applications. These effects are explored for the creation of new inductors and transformers. In this work, the focus is on the study of magnetic coupling by anisotropic magnetization. The results confirm the magnetization is angle dependent, in which the easy magnetic axis along the z axis exhibits anisotropic properties and exhibits isotropic properties in the x and y axes. Using 3D finite element method (FEM) simulations, this research compares magnetic microwire to ferrite and metglas cores when used in AC and DC applications. Bobbin and toroidal inductors are analyzed. Detailed information is given on the geometric setup, assumptions made, and results obtained by the software and analytic discussions. Concluding suggestions are made for future work.