Selecting Nanocrystalline Cores vs CRGO vs Ferrite for Current Transformers
Complete technical comparison guide to help you select the right core material for current transformers, EV chargers, EMI filters, and power applications.
Understanding Core Materials for Transformer Applications
Selecting the right core material is critical for transformer performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Nanocrystalline cores offer superior performance for precision applications, while CRGO silicon steel excels in high-power, low-frequency applications, and ferrite cores dominate very high-frequency designs.Nanocrystalline transformer cores are increasingly preferred for current transformers and EV charging applications.
This comprehensive guide compares these materials across key performance parameters to help engineers make informed decisions for current transformers (CTs), EV chargers, and EMI filter applications.
Technical Performance Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of key performance parameters
| Property | Nanocrystalline | CRGO Silicon Steel | Ferrite | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturation Flux Density (T) | 1.2 - 1.3 | 1.9 - 2.0 | 0.3 - 0.5 | CRGO |
| Permeability | 80,000 - 150,000 | 30,000 - 50,000 | 2,000 - 10,000 | Nanocrystalline |
| Core Loss (100kHz, 0.1T) | <500 mW/cm³ | >5,000 mW/cm³ | 200 - 800 mW/cm³ | Nanocrystalline |
| Frequency Range | DC - 100kHz | DC - 1kHz | 1kHz - 1MHz | Ferrite |
| Temperature Stability | Excellent (-40°C to +130°C) | Good (-40°C to +120°C) | Fair (-40°C to +100°C) | Nanocrystalline |
| Cost | High | Low | Medium | CRGO |
Application-Specific Recommendations
Choose the right core material based on your specific application requirements
Nanocrystalline Cores
Best for high-frequency applications requiring excellent linearity and low losses.
Ideal Applications:
- EV Charger Transformers (20-100kHz)
- Current Transformer (CT) Cores
- EMI Filter / Common-Mode Chokes
- High-Frequency Power Supplies
- Precision Measurement Equipment
CRGO Silicon Steel
Best for low-frequency, high-power applications where cost is a primary concern.
Ideal Applications:
- Power Transformers (50/60Hz)
- Distribution Transformers
- Large Industrial Motors
- Grid-Tied Equipment
- Low-Frequency Applications
Ferrite Cores
Best for very high-frequency applications where core losses must be minimized.
Ideal Applications:
- Switch-Mode Power Supplies (>100kHz)
- RF Transformers and Inductors
- High-Frequency Chokes
- Flyback Transformers
- Telecommunications Equipment
Core Material Selection Guide
Choose Nanocrystalline When:
- • Operating frequency: 1kHz - 100kHz
- • High accuracy required (CT applications)
- • Compact size is critical
- • Wide temperature range operation
- • Low phase error essential
- • EV charging applications
Choose CRGO When:
- • Operating frequency: 50/60Hz
- • High power applications (>1MVA)
- • Cost is primary concern
- • High saturation flux needed
- • Traditional power transformers
- • Grid-tied applications
Need Help Selecting the Right Core Material?
Our engineering team can help you select the optimal core material for your specific application requirements.