Computer-aided measurement of inductor losses at high frequencies (0 to 6 kHz)

Two methods for measuring losses of inductors at high frequencies from 0 to 6 kHz are discussed: the first involves the use of sampled inductor voltage and current waveforms through an A/D converter and a computer. The second, called the three-voltmeter method, consists of recording three RMS voltages. Error analyses of the two approaches are presented. Measured results from these two methods are in good agreement with each other. For some of the inductors tested at low (up to 960 Hz) frequencies the losses increase with the square of frequency while the increase is about linear at high (from 960 Hz to 6000 Hz) frequencies.