This is because planar transformers substitute wound copper wire with flat windings that are etched on printed circuit boards, making them more compact, effective, and reliable for high-frequency uses.

we analyze its uniqueness and significance within the field, the pros and cons, common usage of planar transformers, and the applicability to your next design.

What is Planar Transformer?

This is a transformer type that uses flat layered winds instead of traditional copper wire windings. The flat, layered windings are embedded to the printed circuit boards (PCB) or are attached to it. The windings are arranged to a 90-degree angle to minimize parasitic losses while optimizing heat and electric coupling. Its construction is ideal for systems which prioritize miniaturization.

The shape of planar transformers leads to efficiency integration to surface mount packages as well as thermal management. In addition, mounting directly onto PCBs provides exceptional mechanical rigidity and uniform electrical parameters.
Principal Benefits of Planar Transformers
Because of its many advantages, planar transformers are frequently used, especially in high-frequency, high-power-density applications. The following are a few of the more noteworthy benefits:

Low Profile Form Factor: It is ideal for situations where height is limited because of its flat, layered design, which reduces vertical space.

Better Thermal Management: Better thermal performance is made possible by increased heat dissipation from the core's top and bottom surface areas.

High Efficiency: Planar transformers greatly reduce energy losses, often achieving 99% or higher efficiencies.

Excellent Electrical Repeatability: Parasitic components such as interwinding capacitance and leakage inductance are very predictable and consistent when using PCB-based windings.

High Isolation Capabilities: By using PCB layers, high-voltage isolation between windings can be achieved with more design flexibility.

Compact and Lightweight: They are perfect for portable and aeronautical applications due to their smaller size and less weight.

Considerations and Trade-offs
Even though planar transformers provide several advantages, designers should weigh the following trade-offs before using them in a given application:

Limited Turns: The overall number of turns is constrained by the PCB design, which may reduce flexibility in low-frequency applications. Thus, high-frequency (>100kHz) systems are usually the best fit for planar transformers.

Increased Inter-Winding Capacitance: on noise-sensitive applications, the increased capacitance between layers found on flat PCB traces may affect performance.

Higher Initial Tooling Costs: One-off or low-volume production is more costly when customizing planar transformers since it frequently calls for intricate PCB layout and setup.

Design Complexity: To achieve performance and safety requirements, an optimized planar transformer necessitates exact layout and engineering know-how.

Planar Transformers: Where Are They Used?
Planar transformers are being used in many different industries as a result of the ongoing need for smaller, more effective power solutions:

Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS): The small size and high efficiency of SMPS are advantageous for both AC/DC and DC/DC converters.

Aerospace & Avionics: Low-profile, lightweight transformers are perfect for settings with limited space.

Efficiency and thermal performance are critical for managing the power of electric vehicles and battery chargers.

Medical Devices: In medical-grade power supplies, planar transformers provide excellent isolation and dependability.

Telecommunications: To improve efficiency and dependability in distributed power systems.

Industrial Power Systems: Comply with the strict temperature and size requirements of contemporary industrial electronics.

Renewable Energy Systems: Wind turbines and solar inverters benefit from small, highly efficient designs.

LED Appliances & Lighting: Enhance power supply in tiny consumer and business electronics.

Welding Equipment: Sturdy construction meets the demanding requirements of industrial settings.

Do You Need a Planar Transformer for Your Use Case?
A thorough assessment of performance, cost, frequency, space limitations, and thermal management is necessary when selecting the best transformer. When great efficiency, small size, and repeatable performance are needed, planar transformers perform exceptionally well, especially in systems that operate at frequencies higher than 100 kHz.

A planar transformer can be the best option if you're building a system that requires exceptional power density and thermal performance. Custom and standard planar transformer designs for particular applications are our area of expertise at CET Technologies. Our technical staff has the know-how to help you with the design process and provide you with high-performance magnetic components that satisfy your requirements.

In conclusion

In summary, planar transformers offer a small, highly efficient substitute for conventional wrapped components, marking a substantial development in transformer design. They are an effective tool in any engineer's design toolbox, with uses spanning from consumer electronics to aerospace.

CET Technology can assist you in realizing the full potential of planar transformer technology, whether you're developing an industrial power unit, a medical device, or a state-of-the-art SMPS.

To discuss your application and learn more about the benefits of specially designed planar transformers, get in touch with CET Technologies right now.