Overview

Since the publication of the first edition (1990), there have been many significant changes in both ferrite materials and applications. In the materials field, there have been numerous reports of nanoferrites, that is, use of nanocrystalline technologies for producing ferrite particles in the nanometer size range. The properties are vastly different than previous ferrites. To satisfy the ever-increasing frequency of SMPS (Switched-mode power supplies), ferrite power materials have been introduced to operate up to 3MHz. New materials for automotive applications must operate over wide temperature extremes. Materials for hybrid auto power supplies present another new application. Still another ferrite market that has increased recently is ferrites for SDL and other new telecommunications applications. Many changes in ferrite suppliers have also taken place with companies such as Siemens, Philips and Thomson. Globally, China has replaced Japan as the largest ferrite supplier.