1K107 High-Permeability Soft Magnetic Nanocrystalline Cores for Electronics
Oct 27, 2025
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What Is a High-Permeability Nanocrystalline Core
The soft magnetic nanocrystalline iron core for electronics is made from iron-based nanocrystalline alloys through rapid solidification, low-temperature annealing, and precision forming. It combines three core advantages: high magnetic permeability, low iron loss, and wide frequency response, enabling efficient magnetic energy conversion and signal transmission in medium-to-high-frequency circuits from 50 kHz to 1 MHz. It is a foundational component for switching power supplies, sensors, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) equipment.
Energy Conversion Applications
Switching power supplies (SMPS): in laptop and server power transformers, low iron loss at 50 to 200 kHz increases power efficiency to over 95 percent, compared with about 85 percent for traditional silicon steel solutions, while reducing the power supply volume. On-board electronic power supplies: square or toroidal nanocrystalline cores fit the compact space of on-board chargers and DC/DC converters in new energy vehicles, with wide-temperature characteristics that withstand in-vehicle temperature fluctuations from minus 40 to 125 degrees C. Charging pile modules: DC/DC conversion cores in charging piles meet high-power-density requirements above 3 kW per liter, and low iron loss reduces energy consumption during charging.
Signal Detection and EMC Applications
Current and voltage transformers: high permeability enables accurate measurement of currents from 5 mA to 50 A with an error class of 0.2 or better in smart meters and industrial control systems. Magnetic sensors: detection cores in residual current devices respond to leakage currents of 30 mA or more in less than 10 ms. RF signal transformers: wide frequency response ensures undistorted transmission from 100 kHz to 1 MHz. Common-mode inductors: in EMC filters, high permeability filters common-mode interference from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, helping equipment pass CE and FCC certification. Differential-mode inductors: low high-frequency loss suppresses current harmonics such as the 3rd and 5th. EMI beads: absorb high-frequency interference from 500 kHz to 1 MHz on data and power lines.
Comparison with Mainstream Soft Magnetic Cores
| Dimension | Nanocrystalline | Silicon steel (30Q130) | Ferrite (Mn-Zn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating frequency | 50 Hz - 1 MHz | 50 Hz - 1 kHz | 100 kHz - 10 MHz |
| Iron loss at 100 kHz | 15 - 30 W/kg | 120 - 180 W/kg | 8 - 15 W/kg |
| Initial permeability | 5 x 10 to the 4th - 2 x 10 to the 5th | 3 x 10 to the 3rd - 5 x 10 to the 3rd | 1 x 10 to the 3rd - 1 x 10 to the 4th |
| Volume at same power | Medium (benchmark 1.0) | Large (about 1.8) | Small (about 0.6) |
| Relative cost | 2.5 - 3.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 - 2.0 |
Specifications
Nanocrystalline E cores are available in dimensions from 8.3 mm by 6.0 mm with a build of 1.8 mm up to 42.1 mm by 29.5 mm with a build of 12.0 mm, with tolerances of plus or minus 0.1 to 0.9 mm. Additional dimensions can be customized to meet specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What frequency range suits 1K107 nanocrystalline cores?
A: They operate effectively from about 50 kHz to 1 MHz in typical electronic applications, with usable performance at power frequency for special designs.
Q: How does nanocrystalline compare with ferrite at high frequency?
A: Ferrite supports higher frequencies above 100 MHz with lower loss, but nanocrystalline offers much higher permeability and saturation induction, which is preferred for medium- and high-power conversion up to about 1 MHz.
Q: Why is permeability important in current transformers?
A> High permeability minimizes magnetizing current and phase error, enabling accuracy classes of 0.2 or better with a smaller core volume.
Q: Can nanocrystalline cores help pass EMC certification?
A: Yes. Common-mode inductors built with high-permeability nanocrystalline cores effectively suppress conducted interference from 20 kHz to 1 MHz, supporting CE and FCC compliance.
Q: What temperature range can the cores withstand?
A: The high Curie temperature of the alloy allows stable operation across the automotive range of minus 40 to 125 degrees C with minimal performance drift.
Q: Are custom dimensions available?
A: Yes. Core geometry, window size, and material grade are customized to the power rating and frequency of the application.
For core selection and quotations for your electronic design, contact our engineering team with your frequency, power, and dimensional requirements.