Small Transformer Design by Computer.

The overall efficiency of one module in a modular power supply for an ion motor is mainly determined by the individual efficiencies of the power transistors, the output transformer and the bridge rectifier diodes. A computer program was written to investigate transformer design under conditions compatible with the other circuit elements with the aim of obtaining improvements in efficiency and reduction in mass. Transformers produced to the resulting designs had efficiencies in excess of 98 and masses some 25 less than their predecessors.