Overview
IEC 62044-3:2023 - "Cores made of soft magnetic materials – Measuring methods – Part 3: Magnetic properties at high excitation level" - specifies standardized measuring methods for power loss and amplitude permeability of magnetic cores used in closed magnetic circuits operating at high excitation levels. It applies to cores for inductors, chokes, transformers and similar devices used in power electronics. The 2023 edition is a technical revision of the 2000 edition and adds new material (Annex F - normative pulse methods, and Annex G - pulse circuit examples).
Keywords: IEC 62044-3, soft magnetic materials, magnetic cores, power loss measurement, amplitude permeability, high excitation level, pulse measurements, power electronics.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Terms, symbols and specimen requirements for repeatable high-excitation measurements.
- General precautions: Reproducibility of magnetic state, core mounting, and coil winding practices for accurate results.
- Measuring amplitude permeability: Purpose, measurement principles, circuits and calculation methods for effective amplitude permeability under large excitation.
- Power loss measurement methods: Multiple methods and principles are covered, including:
- Root-mean-square (RMS) based methods
- Multiplying (V-A-W) methods and impedance analyzer techniques
- Reflection methods
- Calorimetric techniques (thermal measurements)
- Pulse and high‑rate excitation: Annex F (normative) defines measurement methods and procedures for magnetic properties under pulse conditions (e.g., pulse inductance factor, magnetizing current non-linearity). Annex G provides example circuits for pulse measurements.
- Measurement accuracy and reporting: Required test-report contents, information to be stated, and guidance on equipment, coils and specimen handling.
Practical applications
- Validating core material performance under high flux or pulsed excitation typical in modern power converters and switching supplies.
- Comparing power loss and effective permeability across core materials (ferrites, powders, etc.) for high-stress applications.
- Supporting design decisions for inductors, chokes and transformers in DC-DC converters, inverters and motor drives.
- Establishing quality control and production testing procedures for manufacturers of magnetic cores and components.
- Enabling R&D and materials characterization for improved efficiency and thermal management in power electronics.
Who should use this standard
- Magnetic-core manufacturers and material suppliers
- Power electronics designers and component engineers
- Test laboratories and certification bodies
- R&D and materials characterization teams
- Quality assurance and standards compliance engineers
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 62044 series and IEC standards on magnetic materials and magnetic component testing (consult IEC resources for latest cross-references).
For procurement, compliance or lab implementation, reference IEC 62044-3:2023 directly to ensure correct test circuits, procedures and reporting requirements.