Metis HyMAC Soft Magnetic Materials Measurement System

Overview

The Metis HyMAC Soft Magnetic Materials Measurement System is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized AC magnetic characterization of soft magnetic laminations, electrical steels, and ferrite cores. It operates on the principle of controlled sinusoidal excitation and synchronized voltage–current sensing to reconstruct the dynamic B–H hysteresis loop under variable frequency and field amplitude conditions. Unlike static DC permeameters or simplified loss analyzers, the HyMAC implements dual-winding induction-based measurement architecture—compliant with IEC 60404 series standards—to ensure traceable, reproducible determination of core loss, incremental permeability, coercivity (Hc), remanence (Br), saturation flux density (Bm), and peak field intensity (Hm). Its modular design supports both laboratory-grade R&D validation and production-line quality assurance workflows in transformer, inductor, and motor core manufacturing environments.

Key Features

• Triple-mode excitation control: Rapid Prediction Mode for preliminary screening, Fixed-Field Mode for steady-state loss evaluation at specified Bm, and Swept-Field Mode for full hysteresis loop acquisition across user-defined H or B ranges
• High-power amplifier section delivering up to 1200 VA (upgradeable to 3 kVA) with active current limiting and thermal protection—enabling reliable testing of large-area laminations and high-permeability ferrites
• Field strength capability up to 10 kA/m (1.7 T) with calibrated Hall-effect and search-coil based field sensing, ensuring metrological integrity per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements
• Integrated digital signal acquisition system featuring 16-bit resolution, 1 MS/s sampling rate, and hardware-triggered synchronization between primary excitation and secondary induced voltage signals
• Modular fixture ecosystem supporting IEC-compliant Epstein frame (for strip samples), Single Sheet Tester (SST) for non-stacked geometries, toroidal winding setups, and yoke-based clamping for irregular or pre-assembled cores
• Real-time waveform visualization with overlay of B(t), H(t), and instantaneous power (p = v·i), enabling immediate identification of harmonic distortion, domain wall pinning effects, or anomalous eddy current behavior

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HyMAC system accommodates a broad spectrum of soft magnetic materials—including non-oriented and grain-oriented electrical steels (e.g., M085–M400 grades), Mn–Zn and Ni–Zn ferrites, amorphous ribbons (e.g., Metglas® types), and nanocrystalline alloys. All measurement protocols adhere strictly to international standardization frameworks: IEC 60404-2 (methods for Epstein frame), IEC 60404-3 (single sheet test procedures), and IEC 60404-6 (ferrite core measurements). The system’s calibration traceability is maintained through NIST-traceable reference coils and certified shunt resistors. Data reporting conforms to GLP/GMP documentation requirements, including timestamped audit trails, operator ID logging, and configurable electronic signatures—supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed in regulated manufacturing settings.

Software & Data Management

The HyMAC Control Suite is a native Windows application built on .NET Framework with intuitive tab-based navigation and context-sensitive help. It provides automated calculation of all key magnetic parameters—including total core loss separation into hysteresis, classical eddy current, and excess loss components using the Bertotti model—and exports results in CSV, Excel (.xlsx), and XML formats for integration into LIMS or MES platforms. Raw time-domain data is stored in HDF5 format for long-term archival and post-processing in MATLAB or Python. The software includes built-in uncertainty estimation per GUM (Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement), with propagated error analysis from sensor tolerances, amplifier linearity, and fixture geometry factors. Optional add-ons include automated batch reporting, SPC chart generation, and API access for remote script-driven operation via REST endpoints.

Applications

• Quality control of electrical steel batches prior to lamination stacking in power transformer cores
• Development and validation of low-loss, high-frequency ferrite formulations for switch-mode power supply (SMPS) inductors
• Comparative assessment of annealing treatments on domain structure evolution in grain-oriented steels
• Characterization of magnetic aging effects under accelerated thermal cycling and DC bias conditions
• Supporting finite-element modeling (FEM) input with experimentally derived B–H curves and loss vs. frequency datasets
• Third-party certification testing per customer specifications aligned with IEEE Std 393 or CIGRÉ Technical Brochures

FAQ

Does the HyMAC system support DC bias superposition during AC measurements?
Yes—optional DC bias modules enable controlled superposition of up to ±10 A DC current on the excitation winding, facilitating BH-loop analysis under realistic operating conditions for PFC chokes and saturable reactors.
Can the system measure anisotropic materials with directional dependence?
Yes—the SST fixture and rotational Epstein variants allow angular-dependent measurements; combined with motorized sample rotation stages (available as accessories), full 360° permeability mapping is achievable.
Is firmware and software update support included post-purchase?
Metis provides free minor version updates for the lifetime of the instrument; major releases are available under optional annual maintenance contracts covering remote diagnostics, calibration verification, and on-site technical assistance.
What level of technical documentation accompanies the system?
Each unit ships with a comprehensive Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) protocol package, plus full IEC-standard test reports, uncertainty budgets, and a traceable calibration certificate issued by an ILAC-accredited laboratory.