All About Circuits

Industry White Paper

Characterizing Parasitic Components in Power Converters

This article introduces and explains parasitics in passive components like capacitors, inductors, and resistors.


October 01, 2023 by Rohde & Schwarz
Topics Covered
What Are Parasitics?
How Do Parasitics Affect the Design of A Dc-Dc Converter?
Parasitics in Passive Components – A Breakdown
Simulation versus Results
Methods for Measuring Parasitics
Demo: Characterizing the Behavior of a Capacitor

White Paper Overview 

The increasing use of WBG semiconductor materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) in power converters has allowed for highly power-dense supplies with low switching losses and a higher efficiency during operation. However, the benefits of these fast switching transistors used within power converters can be limited if the effects of parasitics appearing at high frequencies are not considered.

This white paper provides an introduction to parasitics & illustrates how parasitics can impact passive components like capacitors, inductors, and resistors. Learn more about the LCR meter and how it is an excellent tool for this characterization

Read White Paper:

Already an All About Circuits member? Please Click Here to login.
Fields containing * are required