PQ3220 Ferrite Transformer Cores (Pair)

The PQ32/20 Ferrite Core (Pair) is designed for use in high-frequency transformers and inductors in power conversion applications such as Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), DC-DC converters, and inverters. The PQ core shape offers an excellent balance of magnetic performance and compact design, making it a popular choice for high-efficiency power electronics.

Features:

• Core Shape: PQ (Power Quality) core, designed with a large winding window and compact external dimensions to optimize winding and reduce losses

• Material: Made from MnZn (Manganese-Zinc) ferrite, which is ideal for high-frequency operation due to its low core loss characteristics

• Applications: Optimized for use in high-frequency transformers, inductors, and magnetic components used in SMPS, DC-DC converters, inverters, and power supplies

• Magnetic Efficiency: The core shape ensures low core losses at high frequencies, maximizing energy transfer and minimizing heat generation

Specifications:

• Core Size: PQ32/20 refers to the specific dimensions of the core, where:

  • Outer Diameter: ~32 mm

  • Height: ~20 mm

• Winding Area: The PQ core’s larger window size allows for more turns or thicker wire, which reduces copper losses and increases transformer efficiency

• Permeability: Typically available in permeability grades ranging from 2500 µ to 10000 µ, depending on the material choice and application requirements

• Saturation Flux Density (Bsat): The saturation flux density for ferrite cores is typically between 300 mT and 500 mT, allowing for effective magnetic performance without excessive core saturation

• Core Losses: PQ ferrite cores have low core loss, making them ideal for high-frequency applications (typically operating in the range of 50 kHz to 500 kHz or higher, depending on the ferrite material)

• Operating Frequency: PQ3220 cores are optimized for high-frequency applications, typically up to 500 kHz and beyond, depending on the material grade

Advantages of PQ3220 Cores:

1. Large Winding Area: The larger window in the PQ3220 core allows for more windings or thicker wire, leading to lower copper losses and better energy efficiency.

2. Compact and Efficient: The PQ core design allows for a compact transformer size while offering excellent magnetic performance, making it suitable for space-constrained power electronics.

3. Reduced Core Losses: The ferrite material used in PQ cores minimizes core losses at high frequencies, making them highly efficient in power conversion circuits.

4. Thermal Management: The PQ core shape helps dissipate heat more effectively, ensuring long-term reliability in high-power applications.

5. Magnetic Performance: PQ cores have a high energy density and low leakage inductance, which is crucial for high-frequency transformer designs.

Applications:

• Switched Mode Power Supplies (SMPS): The PQ3220 core is widely used in SMPS transformers due to its ability to efficiently transfer energy at high frequencies while keeping the transformer size compact.

• DC-DC Converters: Suitable for use in transformers in step-up and step-down converters where efficiency, high power density, and compact size are critical.

• Power Inverters: Commonly used in high-frequency inverters, where efficient energy conversion and minimal losses are key design considerations.

• Inductive Components: Can be used in inductors and chokes for filtering and energy storage applications in power electronic circuits.

Core Pair Use:

PQ cores are usually supplied in pairs to form a closed magnetic loop when assembled, improving magnetic efficiency by reducing air gaps. The two halves of the PQ3220 core pair are typically glued or held together in the transformer assembly using clips or mounting brackets, which helps maintain the core’s magnetic performance.

Why Choose PQ3220 Cores?

• High Efficiency: The core’s large winding area and compact design minimize both core and copper losses, improving overall transformer efficiency.

• Compact Form Factor: Ideal for applications where space is limited but high power and efficiency are required.

• Low Core Loss: PQ ferrite cores are specifically designed for low core loss at high frequencies, making them suitable for modern power electronics systems.

• Versatile Use: The PQ3220 core can be used in a variety of power electronic applications where magnetic components play a critical role in energy conversion and regulation.