Core loss measurement tool for non-sinusoidal switching
This technology provides a precise way to measure how much energy is wasted as heat in the magnetic cores used inside inductors and transformers — components found in virtually every power electronics device. The method works by running the same electrical waveform through two slightly different test circuits (one with the core, one without) and calculating the core's energy loss from the difference in measured currents. Critically, it works with arbitrary waveforms, not just the simple sine waves that traditional measurement tools require, making it far more useful for modern power electronics that use complex switching patterns. The result is a more accurate, practical characterization tool for engineers designing power converters, EV chargers, or any high-frequency magnetic component.
What you could build
A benchtop or rack-mounted test instrument — or software integrated into existing power electronics test setups — sold to power electronics engineers at companies designing EV chargers, motor drives, switching power supplies, and data center power systems to accurately characterize magnetic component losses during design validation.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense contractors and power electronics firms in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor — including suppliers to Naval Station Norfolk's electrification programs — would have direct use for high-frequency magnetic component characterization tools.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Yuliang Cao, Minh Ngo, Dong Dong, Rolando Burgos
- Granted
- April 19, 2022
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 11307266
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.