Abstract: A transformer is provided that consists of a primary winding, a secondary winding and a magnetic core. The primary winding is wound directly around the magnetic core, thereby removing the need for a bobbin. By removing the need for the bobbin, the transformer has a large window utilization factor, and associated low profile. As a result, the transformer has a high power to form factor ratio. A method for making the transformer includes the steps of joining two halves of the core before winding the primary winding. Because the half-cores are joined prior to the wrapping of the primary winding, the core provides bobbin functionality. In addition, a header plate is provided for coupling a plurality of leads of a transformer to sources on an integrated circuit board, where the transformer consists of a magnetic core, a primary winding and a secondary winding. The header plate engages the magnetic core, providing a termination path for the wire of the secondary winding.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a power supply involves receiving a programming signal that indicates a power supply output voltage limit, activating the power supply such that the power supply provides a power supply output voltage according to a power supply threshold voltage, generating a tracking signal that tracks the programming signal, and generating a compare signal according to the tracking signal and an actual value of the power supply output voltage. The technique further involves comparing the compare signal to a protection threshold voltage, maintaining activation of the power supply when the compare signal is less than the protection threshold voltage, and deactivating the power supply when the compare signal is greater than the protection threshold voltage. The protection threshold voltage is independent of the power supply threshold voltage.