IEC 62024-3:2026

Overview

IEC 62024-3:2026 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focusing on high frequency inductive components. This part of the IEC 62024 series specifically details the electrical characteristics and test methods for measuring AC losses in inductors using a sinusoidal wave, targeting components used in DC-to-DC converters and related applications. The standard provides comprehensive methodologies that allow for more accurate and practical assessment of AC losses in inductors under currents that closely approximate real-world operational conditions.

This document applies to both leaded and surface-mount inductors with geometries defined under IEC 62024-2, ensuring consistency in component evaluation across different formats used in power electronics.

Key Topics

• AC Loss Measurement: Defines standardized test methods for measuring AC losses in high frequency inductors, critical for efficient DC-to-DC converter operation.
• Measurement Methods: Introduces two principal methods:
  • Cross-power method: Suitable for low frequency measurements, leveraging digitized voltage and current signals.
  • Amplified vector network analyzer method: Specialized for high frequency and broad impedance ranges, utilizing vector network analysis techniques.
• Measurement Conditions: Specifies the use of sinusoidal AC currents at operationally relevant levels, including options for superimposed DC bias.
• Test Jig Configuration: Describes best-practice test setups and jigs with guidelines to minimize measurement errors due to stray capacitance and resonance.
• Applicability Limits and Precautions: Covers the frequency ranges, impedance ranges, and potential sources of error in AC loss measurements.

Applications

The measurement techniques and guidance provided in IEC 62024-3:2026 offer significant practical value in several fields:

• Power Supply Design: Engineers developing DC-to-DC converters can use these standardized test methods to select and qualify inductive components for efficiency and loss performance, leading to longer battery life, reduced heat, and improved thermal management in miniaturized electronics.
• Component Comparison: Enables manufacturers and designers to perform consistent and accurate comparisons between inductive components based on AC loss under realistic operational currents.
• Quality Assurance: Helps component manufacturers ensure their products meet international expectations and application-specific requirements by providing a reproducible framework for AC loss measurements.
• Research and Development: Facilitates the exploration and optimization of new inductor designs for high frequency, high density, and high efficiency power applications.

Related Standards

Compliance with IEC 62024-3:2026 may require consideration of additional standards within the high frequency inductive component domain:

• IEC 62024-1: Covers electrical characteristics and measuring methods for nanohenry range chip inductors.
• IEC 62024-2: Defines dimension and rated current specifications for inductors used in DC-to-DC converters.
• IEC 62044-3: Outlines test methods for soft magnetic cores at high excitation levels.
• IEC 63300: Provides guidance on measuring electrical and magnetic properties of magnetic powder cores.

For terminology and further clarity, resources such as IEC Electropedia and ISO’s Online Browsing Platform are recommended.

Practical Value

Using IEC 62024-3:2026, engineers and manufacturers in the electronics and power supply industries gain a robust, internationally recognized framework for accurately measuring and benchmarking the AC losses of inductors at conditions reflecting actual converter operation. This ultimately supports the design and verification of more reliable, energy-efficient electronic systems that meet today’s demands for miniaturization, thermal control, and high performance in mobile devices, servers, and industrial equipment.

Keywords: IEC 62024-3, high frequency inductive components, AC loss measurement, DC-to-DC converter, sinusoidal wave, inductor testing, power supply standards, vector network analyzer, cross-power method, international standard.