Measurement techniques and application of combined parallel/orthogonal magnetic bias on a ferrite tuned resonator in low frequency range (3-10 MHz)

We present several measurement methods for evaluation of magnetic properties of magnetically biased and non-biased ferrite samples in a coaxial test fixture. One important aspect is the crosscheck of results obtained by using different and independent measurement and evaluation methods. Since a rather high DC bias current has to be applied, a dedicated network was designed that allows the passage of up to 50 A DC without degradation of the RF performance. With a combination of calibration methods and a compensating topology with two identical sample holders, a good performance was achieved. In this context, magnetic material parameters for about 10 different types of ferrite were obtained. The orthogonal magnetic bias was added by placing the entire test fixture into a large toroidal coil. Thus, the bias field can be supplied independently from, and in addition to the classical parallel bias. An optimal combination between the two biasing fields was found, resulting in a reduction of magnetic losses up to 50% on certain ferrites. We show that the mixed magnetization, normally used for garnets only, is beneficial also for other types of ferrites.