Comparison of different large signal measurement setups for high frequency inductors

Abstract

The growing interest of miniaturized power converters has pushed the development of high frequency inductors integrated in Power Supply on Chip or Power Supply in Package. The proper characterization of inductor impedance is a challenge due to the dependence of the impedance on the current, the high quality factor (Q) and the high frequency range where these devices operate. In this paper, we present a comparison of different measuring methods to characterize high frequency and high Q inductors. The comparison is based on a systematic analysis of the measurement process, quantifying the influence of the parameters that affect the measurement result. Four common measurement setups are analyzed and compared. To validate the calculations, the resistance of a high frequency, high-Q inductor is characterized using every presented setup. The good match between calculations, simulation and measurement validates the analysis and the conclusions extracted.