Nonlinear Inductance Measurement Using an Energy Storage Approach

A novel method to measure inductance of power inductors is presented in this paper. Energy stored in inductors was used to measure the nonlinear inductance as function of current flow. Inductance was measured for air core (control sample) and ferrite core inductors with increasing levels of currents through them. It was found that air core inductor behaved linearly as expected. Data for ferrite core inductor provided insight into saturation characteristics of magnetic materials.