Patent Publication Number: US-11049642-B1

Title: Dual magnetic component with three core portions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/563,257 filed Sep. 26, 2017, entitled “Dual Magnetic with Three Cores,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to transformers and methods for making transformers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to magnetic assemblies having multiple independent magnetic components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In a conventional electronic system that includes magnetic components, each magnetic component comprises a respective core, a respective bobbin and a respective winding positioned on the bobbin. For example,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate a portion of a conventional printed circuit board  100  having a first magnetic assembly  110  and a second magnetic assembly  112 . Each magnetic assembly  110 ,  112  in  FIG. 1  has respective E-shaped core halves. Each magnetic assembly may be a transformer, a choke (or inductor) or another type of magnetic component having a winding and a core. 
     The first magnetic assembly  110  comprises a bobbin  120 A having a first pin rail  122 A and a second pin rail  124 A. Each pin rail supports a plurality of terminal pins  126 A. At least two of the terminal pins are electrically connected to a winding  130 A, which is wound about a passageway  132 A having a first end  134 A and a second end  136 A. The first end of the passageway receives a middle leg  142 A of a first core half  140 A. A first outer leg  144 A of the first core half extends along a first side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. A second outer leg  146 A of the first core half extends along a second side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. The second end of the passageway receives a middle leg  152 A of a second core half  150 A. Respective ends (not shown) of the first middle legs of the first and second core halves are adjacent within the passageway. In certain embodiments, the ends are spaced apart by a selected distance to provide an air gap in the magnetic path formed by the two middle legs. A first outer leg  154 A of the second core half extends along the first side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. A second outer leg  156 A of the second core half extends along the second side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective ends of the corresponding outer legs along the sides of bobbin abut to form a continuous magnetic path from the middle legs and around the outside of the bobbin. 
     The second magnetic assembly  112  comprises a bobbin  1208  having a first pin rail  122 B and a second pin rail  124 B. Each pin rail supports a plurality of terminal pins  1268 . At least two of the terminal pins are electrically connected to a winding  1308 , which is wound about a passageway  132 B having a first end  134 B and a second end  136 B. The first end of the passageway receives a middle leg  142 B of a first core half  140 B. A first outer leg  144 B of the first core half extends along a first side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. A second outer leg  146 B of the first core half extends along a second side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. The second end of the passageway receives a middle leg  152 B of a second core half  150 B. Respective ends (not shown) of the first middle legs of the first and second core halves are adjacent within the passageway. In certain embodiments, the ends are spaced apart by a selected distance to provide an air gap in the magnetic path formed by the two middle legs. A first outer leg  154 B of the second core half extends along the first side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. A second outer leg  156 B of the second core half extends along the second side of the bobbin in parallel with the passageway. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective ends of the corresponding outer legs along the sides of bobbin abut to form a continuous magnetic path from the middle legs and around the outside of the bobbin. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , each of the first magnetic assembly  110  and the second magnetic assembly  112  occupies a respective area on an upper surface  160  of the printed circuit board  100 . In addition to the minimum area required to accommodate the nominal peripheral dimensions of the respective magnetic assembly, additional space must be provided between each adjacent magnetic assembly to provide allowance for tolerances in the peripheral dimensions. Furthermore, in order to allow the magnetic assemblies to be automatically positioned on the printed circuit board (e.g., by using pick-and-place equipment), sufficient spaced must be provided between adjacent magnetic assemblies to allow the positioning equipment to engage the sides of the assemblies. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a magnetic assembly that combines multiple magnetic components into a single component that can be positioned within a smaller surface area on a printed circuit board than the area occupied by the multiple magnetic components. 
     One aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a connector assembly having two independent magnetic components, which share a common core structure. The magnetic assembly includes first and second bobbins, and includes a magnetic core. The first bobbin is positioned perpendicularly to the second bobbin. The magnetic core includes at least two core pieces. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic core includes first, second, and third core pieces. The first core piece includes at least a first primary middle leg that is configured to fit within a passageway of the first bobbin and a first auxiliary middle leg that is configured to fit within a passageway of the second bobbin. The second core piece includes at least a second primary middle leg that is configured to fit within the passageway of the first bobbin. The third core piece includes a second auxiliary middle leg that is configured to fit within the passageway of the second bobbin. The auxiliary middle legs are perpendicular to the primary middle legs. 
     Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a magnetic core for use with a primary bobbin and an auxiliary bobbin. Each bobbin has a respective passageway. The magnetic core comprises a first primary core portion, a second primary core portion, and an auxiliary core portion. The first primary core portion has at least a first primary middle leg and a first auxiliary middle leg. The first primary middle leg is configured to engage the passageway of the primary bobbin. The first auxiliary middle leg is positioned perpendicularly to the first primary middle leg and is configured to engage the passageway of the auxiliary bobbin. The second primary core portion has at least a second primary middle leg. The second primary middle leg is configured to engage the passageway of the primary bobbin. The auxiliary core portion has at least a second auxiliary middle leg. The second auxiliary middle leg is configured to engage the passageway of the auxiliary bobbin. The auxiliary core portion is configured to mate with both the first and second primary core portions. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first primary core portion includes a first primary core body, a first primary outer leg, a second primary outer leg, the first primary middle leg, a first auxiliary core body, a first auxiliary outer leg, and the first auxiliary middle leg. The first primary core body of the first primary core portion extends in a first direction between a first end of the first primary core body and a second end of the first primary core body. The first primary core body has an outer surface and an inner surface. The first primary outer leg of the first primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the first primary core body. The first primary outer leg has a first primary outer leg end surface. The second primary outer leg of the first primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in the second direction. The second primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the first primary core body. The second primary outer leg has a second primary outer leg end surface. The first primary middle leg of the first primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in the second direction. The first primary middle leg is positioned between the first primary outer leg and the second primary outer leg. The first primary middle leg has a first primary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the primary bobbin. The first primary middle leg has a first primary middle leg end surface. The first auxiliary core body of the first primary core portion extends in the second direction between the outer surface of the first primary core body and the second primary outer leg end surface. The first auxiliary core body has an inner surface that faces the first direction. The first auxiliary outer leg of the first primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body in the first direction. The first auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the outer surface of the first primary core body. The first auxiliary outer leg has a first auxiliary outer leg end surface. The first auxiliary middle leg of the first primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body in the first direction. The first auxiliary middle leg is positioned proximate to the second primary outer leg end surface. The first auxiliary middle leg has a first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the auxiliary bobbin. The first auxiliary middle leg has a first auxiliary middle leg end surface. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the second primary core portion includes a second primary core body, a third primary outer leg, a fourth primary outer leg, the second primary middle leg, a second auxiliary core body, and a second auxiliary outer leg. The second primary core body of the second primary core portion extends in the first direction between a first end of the second primary core body and a second end of the second primary core body. The second primary core body has an outer surface and an inner surface. The third primary outer leg of the second primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in a third direction. The third direction is parallel to and opposite to the second direction. The third primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the second primary core body. The third primary outer leg has a third primary outer leg end surface. The third primary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the first primary outer leg end surface of the first primary core portion. The fourth primary outer leg of the second primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in the third direction. The fourth primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the second primary core body. The fourth primary outer leg has a fourth primary outer leg end surface. The fourth outer leg end surface is configured to abut the second primary outer leg end surface of the first primary core portion. The second primary middle leg of the second primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in the third direction. The second primary middle leg is positioned between the third primary outer leg and the fourth primary outer leg. The second primary middle leg has a second primary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the primary bobbin. The second primary middle leg has a second primary middle leg end surface. The second auxiliary core body of the second primary core portion extends in the third direction between the outer surface of the second primary core body and the fourth primary outer leg end surface. The second auxiliary core body has an inner surface that faces the first direction. The second auxiliary outer leg of the second primary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second auxiliary core body in the first direction. The second auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the outer surface of the second primary core body. The second auxiliary outer leg has a second auxiliary outer leg end surface. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the auxiliary core portion includes a third auxiliary core body, a third auxiliary outer leg, a fourth auxiliary outer leg, and the second auxiliary middle leg. The third auxiliary core body of the auxiliary core portion extends in the second direction between a first end of the third auxiliary core body and a second end of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary core body has an outer surface and an inner surface. The third auxiliary outer leg of the auxiliary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body in a fourth direction. The fourth direction is parallel to and opposite to the first direction. The third auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary outer leg has a third auxiliary outer leg end surface. The third auxiliary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the first auxiliary outer leg end surface of the first primary core portion. The fourth auxiliary outer leg of the auxiliary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body in the fourth direction. The fourth auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the third auxiliary core body. The fourth auxiliary outer leg has a fourth auxiliary outer leg end surface that is configured to abut the second auxiliary outer leg end surface of the second primary core portion. The second auxiliary middle leg of the auxiliary core portion extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second auxiliary core body in the fourth direction. The second auxiliary middle leg is positioned between the third auxiliary outer leg and the fourth auxiliary outer leg. The second auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the auxiliary bobbin. The second auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary middle leg end surface. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, a first gap is defined between the first primary middle leg end surface of the first primary core portion and the second primary middle leg end surface of the second primary core portion. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first and second primary outer legs have a common first primary length defined between the inner surface of the first primary core body and the first and second primary outer leg end surfaces, respectively. The first primary middle leg has a second primary length defined between the inner surface of the first primary core body and the first primary middle leg end surface. The third and fourth primary outer legs have a common third primary length defined between the inner surface of the second primary core body and the third and fourth primary outer leg end surfaces, respectively. The second primary middle leg has a fourth primary length defined between the inner surface of the second primary core body and the second primary middle leg end surface. The first gap is defined by a sum of: (a) a difference between the common first primary length and the second primary length, and (b) a difference between the common third primary length and the fourth primary length. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the second primary length is shorter than the common first primary length. The fourth primary length is shorter than the common third primary length. The common first primary length is longer than the common third primary length by a width of the first auxiliary middle leg of the first primary core portion. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, a second gap is defined between the first auxiliary middle leg end surface of the first primary core portion and the second auxiliary middle leg end surface of the auxiliary core portion. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first and second auxiliary outer legs have a common first auxiliary length defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second auxiliary core bodies, respectively, and the first and second auxiliary outer leg end surfaces, respectively. The first auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary length defined between the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body and the first auxiliary middle leg end surface. The third and fourth auxiliary outer legs have a common third auxiliary length defined between the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body and the third and fourth auxiliary outer leg end surfaces, respectively. The second auxiliary middle leg has a fourth auxiliary length defined between the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body and the second auxiliary middle leg end surface. The second gap is defined by a sum of: (a) a difference between the common first auxiliary length and the second auxiliary length, and (b) a difference between the common third auxiliary length and the fourth auxiliary length. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the second auxiliary length is shorter than the common first auxiliary length. The fourth auxiliary length is shorter than the common third auxiliary length. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first and second primary core bodies, the first, second, third, and fourth primary outer legs, and the first and second primary middle legs have a first common height. The first and second auxiliary core bodies, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary outer legs, and the first and second auxiliary middle legs have a second common height. The second common height is shorter than the first common height. 
     Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a magnetic assembly having two independent magnetic components that share a common core structure. The magnetic assembly comprises a first bobbin, a second bobbin, and a magnetic core assembly. The first bobbin has a first winding that surrounds a first passageway. The first passageway has a first end, a second end, and a first passageway profile. The second bobbin has a second winding that surrounds a second passageway. The second passageway is positioned perpendicularly to the first passageway. The second passageway has a first end, a second end, and a second passageway profile. The magnetic core assembly includes at least a first core piece and a second core piece. At least one of the first and second core pieces has a first middle leg and at least one of the first and second core pieces has a second middle leg. The second middle leg is perpendicular to the first middle leg. The first and second middle legs are configured to engage the first passageway and the second passageway, respectively. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, each of the first and second middle legs is configured to create a gap, which has a gap distance. Each gap is positioned between the first and second ends of its respective bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the at least two core pieces includes the first core piece, the second core piece, and a third core piece. The first core piece has at least a first primary middle leg and a first auxiliary middle leg. The first primary middle leg is configured to engage the first end of the first passageway. The first auxiliary middle leg is positioned perpendicularly to the first primary middle leg and is configured to engage the first end of the passageway of the second bobbin. The second core piece has at least a second primary middle leg that is configured to engage the second end of the first passageway of the first bobbin. The third core piece of the magnetic core assembly has at least a second auxiliary middle leg that is configured to engage the second end of the second passageway. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first core piece includes a first primary core body, a first primary outer leg, a second primary outer leg, the first primary middle leg, a first auxiliary core body, a first auxiliary outer leg, and the first auxiliary middle leg. The first primary core body of the first core piece extends in a first direction between a first end of the first primary core body and a second end of the first primary core body. The first primary core body has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a first primary core body cross-sectional area. The first primary outer leg of the first core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the first primary core body. The first primary outer leg has a first primary outer leg end surface and a first primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second primary outer leg of the first core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in the second direction. The second primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the first primary core body. The second primary outer leg has a second primary outer leg end surface and a second primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The first primary middle leg of the first core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first primary core body in the second direction. The first primary middle leg is positioned between the first primary outer leg and the second primary outer leg. The first primary middle leg has a first primary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the first bobbin. The first primary middle leg has a first primary middle leg end surface and a first primary middle leg cross-sectional area. The first auxiliary core body of the first core piece extends in the second direction between the outer surface of the first primary core body and the second primary outer leg end surface. The first auxiliary core body has an inner surface that faces the first direction. The first auxiliary core body has a first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area. The first auxiliary outer leg of the first core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body in the first direction. The first auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the outer surface of the first primary core body. The first auxiliary outer leg has a first auxiliary outer leg end surface and a first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The first auxiliary middle leg of the first core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body in the first direction. The first auxiliary middle leg is positioned proximate to the second primary outer leg end surface. The first auxiliary middle leg has a first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the second bobbin. The first auxiliary middle leg has a first auxiliary middle leg end surface and a first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the second core piece includes a second primary core body, a third primary outer leg, a fourth primary outer leg, the second primary middle leg, a second auxiliary core body, and a second auxiliary outer leg. The second primary core body of the second core piece extends in the first direction between a first end of the second primary core body and a second end of the second primary core body. The second primary core body has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a second primary core body cross-sectional area. The third primary outer leg of the second core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in a third direction. The third direction is parallel to and opposite to the second direction. The third primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the second primary core body. The third primary outer leg has a third primary outer leg end surface that is configured to abut the first primary outer leg end surface of the first core piece. The third primary outer leg has a third primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The fourth primary outer leg of the second core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in the third direction. The fourth primary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the second primary core body. The fourth primary outer leg has a fourth primary outer leg end surface that is configured to abut the second primary outer leg end surface of the first core piece. The fourth primary outer leg has a fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second primary middle leg of the second core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second primary core body in the third direction. The second primary middle leg is positioned between the third primary outer leg and the fourth primary outer leg, the second primary middle leg has a second primary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the first bobbin. The second primary middle leg has a second primary middle leg end surface and a second primary middle leg cross-sectional area. The second auxiliary core body of the second core piece extends in the third direction between the outer surface of the second primary core body and the fourth primary outer leg end surface. The second auxiliary core body has an inner surface that faces the first direction. The second auxiliary core body has a second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area. The second auxiliary outer leg of the second core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second auxiliary core body in the first direction. The second auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate the outer surface of the second primary core body. The second auxiliary outer leg has a second auxiliary outer leg end surface and a second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the third core piece includes a third auxiliary core body, a third auxiliary outer leg, a fourth auxiliary outer leg, and the second auxiliary middle leg. The third auxiliary core body of the third core piece extends in the second direction between a first end of the third auxiliary core body and a second end of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary core body has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a third auxiliary core body cross-sectional area. The third auxiliary outer leg of the third core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body in a fourth direction. The fourth direction is parallel to and opposite to the first direction. The third auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the first end of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary outer leg has a third auxiliary outer leg end surface that is configured to abut the first auxiliary outer leg end surface of the first core piece. The third auxiliary outer leg has a third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The fourth auxiliary outer leg of the third core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body in the fourth direction. The fourth auxiliary outer leg is positioned proximate to the second end of the third auxiliary core body. The fourth auxiliary outer leg has a fourth auxiliary outer leg end surface that is configured to abut the second auxiliary outer leg end surface of the second core piece. The fourth auxiliary outer leg has a fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second auxiliary middle leg of the third core piece extends perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second auxiliary core body in the fourth direction. The second auxiliary middle leg is positioned between the third auxiliary outer leg and the fourth auxiliary outer leg. The second auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile that is configured to fit within the passageway of the second bobbin. The second auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary middle leg end surface and a second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first primary core body cross-sectional area is at least as great as each of the first primary outer leg cross-sectional area and the second primary outer leg cross-sectional area, respectively. The second primary core body cross-sectional area is at least as great as each of the third primary outer leg cross-sectional area and the fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area, respectively. The first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area is at least as great as the first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area is at least as great as the second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The third auxiliary core body cross-sectional area is at least as great as each of the third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area and the fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area, respectively. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first primary middle leg cross-sectional area is at least as great as a sum of the first primary outer leg cross-sectional area and second primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second primary middle leg cross-sectional area is at least as great as a sum of the third primary outer leg cross-sectional area and fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area. The first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area is at least as great as a sum of the first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area and second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. The second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area is at least as great as a sum of the third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area and fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, a first common height is shared by the first and second primary core bodies, the first, second, third, and fourth primary outer legs, and the first and second primary middle legs. A second common height is shared by the first and second auxiliary core bodies, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary outer legs, and the first and second auxiliary middle legs. The first common height is selected to fit within the first passageway and the second common height is selected to fit within the second passageway. 
     Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a magnetic assembly having two independent magnetic components sharing a common core structure. The magnetic assembly comprises a first bobbin, a second bobbin, and a magnetic core assembly. The first bobbin has a first winding that surrounds a first passageway. The first passageway has a first end, a second end, and a first passageway profile. The second bobbin has a second winding that surrounds a second passageway. The second passageway is positioned perpendicularly to the first passageway. The second passageway has a first end, a second end, and a second passageway profile. The magnetic core assembly includes a first core piece, a second core piece, and a third core piece. The first core piece includes a first E-core and a first portion of a second E core. The first E-core extends between a first end surface and a second end surface in a first direction. The first E-core has legs that extend in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The first portion of the second E-core is integrally connected to the second end surface of the first E-core and has legs that extend in the first direction. The first E-core is configured to interact with the first bobbin and the first portion of the second E-core is configured to interact with the second bobbin. The second core piece includes a third E-core and a second portion of the second E-core. The third E-core extends in the first direction between a first end surface and a second end surface. The third E-core has legs that extend in a third direction. The third direction is parallel to and opposite the second direction. The second portion of the second E-core is integrally connected to the second end surface of the third E-core and has a leg that extend in the first direction. The third E-core is configured to interact with the first bobbin and the second portion of the second E-core is configured to interact with the second bobbin. The third core piece includes a fourth E-core that extends in the second direction between a first end surface and a second end surface. The fourth E-core has legs that extend in a fourth direction. The fourth direction is parallel to and opposite to the first direction. The fourth E-core is configured to interact with the second bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first E-core includes a middle leg configured to be received through the first end of the passageway of the first bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first portion of the second E-core includes a middle leg configured to be received through the first end of the passageway of the second bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the third E-core includes a middle leg configured to be received through the second end of the passageway of the first bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the fourth E-core includes a middle leg configured to be received through the second end of the passageway of the second bobbin. 
     Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is a method of assembling a magnetic assembly having two independent magnetic components, which share a common core structure. The method comprises positioning a first bobbin perpendicularly to a second bobbin. The method further comprises engaging a first core piece with the first bobbin and the second bobbin by (a) positioning a first primary middle leg of the first core piece in a first end of a passageway of the first bobbin, and (b) positioning a first auxiliary middle leg of the first core piece in a first end of a passageway of the second bobbin. The first auxiliary middle leg is perpendicular to the first primary middle leg. The method further comprises engaging a second core piece with the first bobbin by positioning a second primary middle leg of the second core piece in a second end of the passageway of the first bobbin. The method further comprises engaging a third core piece with the second bobbin by positioning a second auxiliary middle leg of the third core piece in a second end of the passageway of the second bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the first core piece further includes a first primary core body, a first primary outer leg, a second primary outer leg, a first auxiliary core body, and a first auxiliary outer leg. The first primary core body of the first core piece extends in a first direction between a first end and a second end. The first primary middle leg extends perpendicularly from the first primary core body in a second direction. The first primary middle leg is positioned midway between the first and second ends of the first primary core body. The first primary outer leg of the first core piece extends in the second direction from the first primary core body proximate to the first end of the first primary core body. In certain embodiments, the first primary outer leg is positioned on a first side of the first bobbin. The second primary outer leg of the first core piece extends in the second direction from the first primary core body proximate to the second end of the first primary core body. In certain embodiments, the second primary outer leg is positioned on a second side of the first bobbin. The first auxiliary core body of the first core piece extends in the second direction between an outer surface of the first primary core body and an end surface of the second primary outer leg. The first auxiliary middle leg extends perpendicularly from the first auxiliary core body in the first direction. The first auxiliary middle leg is aligned with an end surface of the second primary outer leg. The first auxiliary outer leg of the first core piece extends in the first direction from the first auxiliary core body. The first auxiliary outer leg is aligned with the outer surface of the first primary core body. In certain embodiments, the first auxiliary outer leg is positioned on a first side of the second bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the second core piece further includes a second primary core body, a third primary outer leg, a fourth primary outer leg, a second auxiliary core body, and a second auxiliary outer leg. The second primary core body of the second core piece extends in the first direction between a first end and a second end. The second primary middle leg extends perpendicularly from the second primary core body in a third direction. The third direction is parallel to and opposite to the second direction. The second primary middle leg is positioned midway between the first and second ends of the second primary core body. The third primary outer leg of the second core piece extends in the third direction from the second primary core body proximate to the first end of the second primary core body. In certain embodiments, the third primary outer leg is positioned on the first side of the first bobbin and may abut the first primary outer leg. The fourth primary outer leg of the second core piece extends in the third direction from the second primary core body proximate to the second end of the second primary core body. In certain embodiments, the fourth primary outer leg is positioned on the second side of the first bobbin and may abut the second primary outer leg. The second auxiliary core body of the second core piece extends in the third direction between an outer surface of the second primary core body and an end surface of the fourth primary outer leg. In certain embodiments, the first and second auxiliary core bodies abut in line with the end surfaces of the second and fourth primary outer legs, respectively. The second auxiliary outer leg of the second core piece extends in the first direction from the second auxiliary core body. The second auxiliary outer leg is aligned with the outer surface of the second primary core body. In certain embodiments, the second auxiliary outer leg is positioned on a second side of the second bobbin. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with this aspect, the third core piece further includes a third auxiliary core body, a third auxiliary outer leg, and a fourth auxiliary outer leg. The third auxiliary core body of the third core piece extends in the second direction between a first end and a second end. The second auxiliary middle leg extends perpendicularly from the third auxiliary core body in a fourth direction. The fourth direction is parallel to and opposite to the first direction. The second auxiliary middle leg is positioned midway between the first and second ends of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary outer leg of the third core piece extends in the fourth direction from the third auxiliary core body proximate to the first end of the third auxiliary core body. In certain embodiments, the third auxiliary outer leg is positioned on the first side of the second bobbin and may abut the first auxiliary outer leg. The fourth auxiliary outer leg of the third core piece extends in the fourth direction from the third auxiliary core body proximate to the second end of the third auxiliary core body. In certain embodiments, the fourth auxiliary outer leg is positioned on the second side of the second bobbin and abuts the second auxiliary outer leg. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an upper front perspective view of a conventional printed circuit board with two independent magnetic assemblies positioned thereon, each magnetic assembly having E-shaped cores. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a lower rear perspective view of the printed circuit board and magnetic assemblies of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an upper front perspective view of a single magnetic assembly mounted on a printed circuit board wherein the single magnetic assembly comprises two independent magnetic components positioned perpendicularly to each other and sharing a common core structure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an upper front perspective view of the single magnetic assembly of  FIG. 2  prior to installation on the printed circuit. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded upper front perspective view of the single magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an upper front perspective view of a first core piece of the core structure of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a lower rear perspective view of the first core piece of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an upper front perspective view of a second core piece of the core structure of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a lower rear perspective view of the second core piece of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an upper front perspective view of a third core piece of the core structure of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a lower rear perspective view of the third core piece of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of the core structure of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an upper front perspective view of the core structure juxtaposed to show the winding windows formed between the legs of the core structure of the magnetic component of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a top plan view of the core structure of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an upper front perspective view of the first bobbin of the leftmost magnetic component of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an upper front perspective view of the second bobbin of the rightmost magnetic component of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a top plan cross-sectional view of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3  taken along the line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 3  showing the gaps between the ends of the outer legs of the core structure positioned within the passageways of the first and second bobbins of the leftmost and the rightmost magnetic components. 
         FIG. 14  pictorially illustrates the flux paths within the bodies and the legs of the core structure of the single magnetic assembly caused by the two independent magnetic components. 
         FIG. 15  pictorially compares the single magnetic assembly of  FIG. 2  with the two separate magnetic assemblies of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, various dimensional and orientation words, such as height, width, length, longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, up, down, left, right, tall, low profile, and the like, may be used with respect to the illustrated drawings. Such words are used for ease of description with respect to the particular drawings and are not intended to limit the described embodiments to the orientations shown. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments can be oriented at various angles and that the dimensional and orientation words should be considered relative to an implied base plane that would rotate with the embodiment to a revised selected orientation. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 
     It is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 2-14  illustrate a single magnetic assembly  200  that includes a first (leftmost as viewed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) magnetic component  210  and a second (rightmost as viewed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) magnetic component  212 . The two magnetic components share a single core structure  214 . The single core structure  214  may be referred to as a magnetic core  214  or as a magnetic core assembly  214 . Although the first and second magnetic components are structurally coupled together via the single core structure, the two magnetic components function independently of one another. The single magnetic assembly is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB)  216  in  FIG. 2 . The magnetic assembly is shown prior to mounting on the PCB in  FIGS. 3-14 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the magnetic assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the core structure  214  comprises a first core piece  300 , a second core piece  400 , and a third core piece  500 . The first core piece  300  may be referred to as a first primary core portion  300 . The second core piece  400  may be referred to as a second primary core portion  400 . The third core piece  500  may be referred to as an auxiliary core portion  500 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , for example, the first core piece  300  comprises a first primary core body  310  and a first auxiliary core body  360 . The two bodies are integrally formed as a single core piece. The first primary core body  310  extends in a first direction  280  between a first end surface  312  ( FIG. 5B ) and a second end surface  314  ( FIG. 5A ). The first primary core body further includes an outer surface  316  ( FIG. 5B ), an inner surface  318  ( FIG. 5A ), a lower surface  320  ( FIG. 5B ), and an upper surface  322  ( FIG. 5A ). The inner surface  318  is spaced apart by a distance D 1  from the outer surface  316 . The first primary core body has a first primary core body height  324  defined between the lower surface and upper surface of the first primary core body. 
     A first primary outer leg  330  of the first core piece  300  extends in a second direction  282  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  318  of the first primary core body  310  near the first end surface  312  of the first primary core body. The second direction  282  is perpendicular to the first direction  280 . The first primary outer leg has a first primary outer leg end surface  332  ( FIG. 5A ). The first primary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  334  ( FIG. 5B ) and an inner lateral surface  336  ( FIG. 5A ). As shown in  FIG. 5B , the outer lateral surface of the first primary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  312  of the first primary core body. The inner lateral surface of the first primary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the first primary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the first primary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  320  of the first primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  322  of the first primary core body. The common upper and lower surfaces of the first primary outer leg and the other legs described in the following paragraphs are not numbered separately. 
     A second primary outer leg  340  of the first core piece  300  extends in the second direction  282  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  318  of the first primary core body  310  near the second end surface  314  of the first primary core body. The second primary outer leg has a second primary outer leg end surface  342  ( FIG. 5A ). The second primary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  344  ( FIG. 5A ) and an inner lateral surface  346  ( FIG. 5B ). As shown in  FIG. 5A , the outer lateral surface of the second primary outer leg is coplanar with the second end surface  314  of the first primary core body. The inner lateral surface of the second primary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the second primary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  320  of the first primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  322  of the first primary core body. 
     A first primary middle leg  350  of the first core portion  300  extends in the second direction  282  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  318  of the first primary core body  310  approximately midway between the first end surface  312  and the second end surface  314  of the first primary core body. The first primary middle leg has a first primary middle leg end surface  352  ( FIG. 5A ). The first primary middle leg has a first lateral surface  354  ( FIG. 5B ) and a second lateral surface  356  ( FIG. 5A ). The first lateral surface faces toward the first end surface of the first primary core body. The second lateral surface faces toward the second end surface of the first primary core body. The first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are parallel to each other and parallel to the first and second end surfaces of the first primary core body. In the illustrated embodiment, the first primary middle leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  320  of the first primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  322  of first primary core body. The first primary middle leg further has a first primary middle leg cross-sectional profile  358  ( FIG. 5A ), which corresponds to the shape of the first primary middle leg end surface  352 . 
     The first auxiliary core body  360  extends in the second direction  282  between a first end surface  362  ( FIG. 5B ) and a second end surface  364  ( FIG. 5A ). The first auxiliary core body further includes an outer boundary  366  ( FIG. 5A ), an inner surface  368  ( FIG. 5A ), a lower surface  370  ( FIG. 5B ), and an upper surface  372  ( FIG. 5A ). The outer boundary is aligned with the second end surface  314  of the first primary core body  310  and with the outer lateral surface  344  of the second primary outer leg  340 . The inner surface faces in the first direction  280 . The inner surface  368  is spaced apart by a distance D 2  ( FIG. 5A ) from the outer boundary  366 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer boundary  366  is integrally coupled to both the second end surface  314  of the first primary core body  310  and the outer lateral surface  344  of the second primary outer leg  340 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the first end surface of the first auxiliary core body is coplanar with the outer lateral surface  316  of the first primary core body  310 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the second end surface of the first auxiliary core body is coplanar with the second primary outer leg end surface  342 . The first auxiliary core body has a first auxiliary core body height  374  defined between the lower surface and the upper surface of the first auxiliary core body. As illustrated, the first auxiliary core body height is less than the first primary core body height  324 . 
     A first auxiliary outer leg  380  is integral with the first core piece  300 . The first auxiliary outer leg extends in the first direction  280  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  368  of the first auxiliary core body  360  near the first end surface  362  of the first auxiliary core body. The first auxiliary outer leg has a first auxiliary outer leg end surface  382  ( FIG. 5A ). The first auxiliary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  384  ( FIG. 5B ) and an inner lateral surface  386  ( FIG. 5A ). As shown in  FIG. 5B , the outer lateral surface of the first auxiliary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  362  of the first auxiliary core body. The inner lateral surface of the first auxiliary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the first auxiliary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the first auxiliary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  370  of the first auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  372  of the first auxiliary core body. 
     A first auxiliary middle leg  390  is integral with the first core piece  300 . The first primary middle leg extends in the first direction  280  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  368  of the first auxiliary core body  360  near the second end surface  364  of the first auxiliary core body. The first auxiliary middle leg has a first auxiliary middle leg end surface  392  ( FIG. 5A ). The first auxiliary middle leg has a first lateral surface  394  ( FIG. 5B ) and a second lateral surface  396  ( FIG. 5A ). The first lateral surface faces toward the first end surface  362  of the first auxiliary core body. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the second lateral surface is coplanar with the second end surface  364  of the first auxiliary core body. The first lateral surface and the second lateral surface of the first auxiliary middle leg are parallel to each other and parallel to the first and second end surfaces of the first auxiliary core body. In the illustrated embodiment, the first auxiliary middle leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  370  of the first auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  372  of the first auxiliary core body. The first auxiliary middle leg further has a first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile  398  ( FIG. 5A ), which corresponds to the shape of the first auxiliary middle leg end surface  392 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the second core piece  400  comprises a second primary core body  410  and a second auxiliary core body  460 . The two bodies are integrally formed as a single core piece. The second primary core body  410  extends in the first direction  280  between a first end surface  412  ( FIG. 6B ) and a second end surface  414  ( FIG. 6A ). The second primary core body further includes an outer surface  416  ( FIG. 6A ), an inner surface  418  ( FIG. 6B ), a lower surface  420  ( FIG. 6B ), and an upper surface  422  ( FIG. 6A ). The inner surface  418  is spaced apart by a distance D 3  from the outer surface  416 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the distance D 3  of the second primary core body is substantially equal to the distance D 1  of the first primary core body  310 . The second primary core body has a second primary core body height  424  defined between the lower surface and upper surface of the second primary core body. The second primary core body height  424  is substantially equal to the first primary core body height  324 . 
     A third primary outer leg  430  of the second core piece  400  extends in a third direction  284  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  418  of the second primary core body  410  near the first end surface  412  of the second primary core body. The third direction  284  is parallel to and opposite to the second direction  282 . The third primary outer leg has a third primary outer leg end surface  432  ( FIG. 6B ). The third primary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the first primary outer leg end surface  332 . The third primary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  434  ( FIG. 6B ) and an inner lateral surface  436  ( FIG. 6A ). As shown in  FIG. 6B , the outer lateral surface of the third primary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  412  of the second primary core body. The inner lateral surface of the third primary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the third primary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the third primary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  420  of the second primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  422  of the second primary core body. 
     A fourth primary outer leg  440  of the second core piece  400  extends in the third direction  284  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  418  of the second primary core body  410  near the second end surface  414  of the second primary core body. The fourth primary outer leg has a fourth primary outer leg end surface  442  ( FIG. 6B ). The fourth primary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the second primary outer leg end surface  342 . The fourth primary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  444  ( FIG. 6A ) and an inner lateral surface  446  ( FIG. 6B ). As shown in  FIG. 6A , the outer lateral surface of the fourth primary outer leg is coplanar with the second end surface  414  of the second primary core body. The inner lateral surface of the fourth primary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the fourth primary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth primary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  420  of the second primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  422  of the second primary core body. 
     A second primary middle leg  450  of the second core portion  400  extends in the third direction  284  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  418  of the second primary core body  410  approximately midway between the first end surface  412  and the second end surface  414  of the second primary core body. The second primary middle leg has a second primary middle leg end surface  452  ( FIG. 6B ). The second primary middle leg has a first lateral surface  454  ( FIG. 6B ) and a second lateral surface  456  ( FIG. 6A ). As shown in  FIG. 6B , the first lateral surface faces toward the first end surface of the second primary core body. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the second lateral surface faces toward the second end surface of the second primary core body. The first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are parallel to each other and are parallel to the first and second end surfaces of the second primary core body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary middle leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  420  of the second primary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  422  of second primary core body. The second primary middle leg further has a second primary middle leg cross-sectional profile  458  ( FIG. 6B ), which corresponds to the shape of the second primary middle leg end surface  452 . 
     A first common height is shared by the first and second primary core bodies,  310 ,  410 , the first, second, third, and fourth primary outer legs,  330 ,  340 ,  430 ,  440 , and the first and second primary middle legs  350 ,  450 . The first common height is substantially equal to each of the first and second primary core body heights  324 ,  424 . 
     The second auxiliary core body  460  extends in the third direction  284  between a first end surface  462  ( FIG. 6A ) and a second end surface  464  ( FIG. 6B ). The second auxiliary core body further includes an outer boundary  466  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ), an inner surface  468  ( FIG. 6A ), a lower surface  470  ( FIG. 6B ), and an upper surface  472  ( FIG. 6A ). The outer boundary  466  is aligned with the second end surface  414  of the second primary core body  410  and with the outer surface  444  of the fourth primary outer leg  440 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the outer boundary is shown as a solid line in some places and as a dashed line in others, both representative of the outer boundary. The inner surface faces the first direction  280 . The inner surface  468  is spaced apart by a distance D 4  from the outer boundary  466 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer boundary  466  is integrally coupled to both the second end surface  414  of the second primary core body  410  and the outer surface  444  of the fourth primary outer leg  440 . The first end surface of the second auxiliary core body is coplanar with the outer surface  416  of the second primary core body  410 . The second end surface of the second auxiliary core body is coplanar with the fourth primary outer leg end surface  442 . The second auxiliary core body has a second auxiliary core body height  474  defined between the lower surface and upper surface of the second auxiliary core body. The second auxiliary core body height is substantially equal to the first auxiliary core body height  374 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second auxiliary core body heights are less than the first and second primary core body heights  324 ,  424 . In other embodiments, the first and second auxiliary core body heights may be equal to or greater than the first and second primary core body heights. 
     A second auxiliary outer leg  480  is integral to the second core piece  400 . The second auxiliary outer leg extends in the first direction  280  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  468  of the second auxiliary core body  460  near the first end surface  462  of the second auxiliary core body. The second auxiliary outer leg has a second auxiliary outer leg end surface  482  ( FIG. 6A ). The second auxiliary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  484  ( FIG. 6A ) and an inner lateral surface  486  ( FIG. 6B ). As shown in  FIG. 6A , the outer lateral surface of the second auxiliary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  462  of the second auxiliary core body. The inner lateral surface of the second auxiliary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the second auxiliary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the second auxiliary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  470  of second first auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  472  of the second auxiliary core body. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the third core piece  500  comprises a third auxiliary core body  510 . The third auxiliary core body  510  extends in the second direction  282  between a first end surface  512  ( FIG. 7B ) and a second end surface  514  ( FIG. 7A ). The third auxiliary core body further includes an outer surface  516  ( FIG. 7A ), an inner surface  518  ( FIG. 7B ), a lower surface  520  ( FIG. 7B ), and an upper surface  522  ( FIG. 7A ). The inner surface faces a fourth direction  286 . The fourth direction  286  is parallel to and opposite to the first direction  280 . The inner surface  518  is spaced apart by a distance D 5  from the outer surface  516 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each of the distances D 2 , D 4 , D 5  of the first, second, and third auxiliary core bodies  360 ,  460 ,  510 , respectively, are substantially equal. The third auxiliary core body has a third auxiliary core body height  524  defined between the lower surface and upper surface of the third auxiliary core body. The first, second, and third auxiliary core body heights  374 ,  474 ,  524  are substantially equal. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third auxiliary core body heights are less than the first and second primary core body heights  324 ,  424 . In other embodiments, the first, second and third auxiliary core body heights may be equal to or greater than the first and second primary core body heights. 
     A third auxiliary outer leg  530  of the third core piece  500  extends in the fourth direction  286  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  518  of the third auxiliary core body  510  near the first end surface  512  of the third auxiliary core body. The third auxiliary outer leg has a third auxiliary outer leg end surface  532  ( FIG. 7B ). The third auxiliary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the first auxiliary outer leg end surface  382 . The third auxiliary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  534  ( FIG. 7B ) and an inner lateral surface  536  ( FIG. 7A ). As shown in  FIG. 7B , the outer lateral surface of the third auxiliary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  512  of the third auxiliary core body. The inner lateral surface of the third auxiliary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the third auxiliary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the third auxiliary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  520  of the third auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  522  of the third auxiliary core body. 
     A fourth auxiliary outer leg  540  of the third core piece  500  extends in the fourth direction  286  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  518  of the third auxiliary core body  510  near the second end surface  514  of the third auxiliary core body. The fourth auxiliary outer leg has a fourth auxiliary outer leg end surface  542  ( FIG. 7B ). The fourth auxiliary outer leg end surface is configured to abut the second auxiliary outer leg end surface  482 . The fourth auxiliary outer leg has an outer lateral surface  544  ( FIG. 7A ) and an inner lateral surface  546  ( FIG. 7B ). As shown in  FIG. 7A , the outer lateral surface of the fourth auxiliary outer leg is coplanar with the first end surface  512  of the third auxiliary core body. The inner lateral surface of the fourth auxiliary outer leg is parallel to the outer lateral surface of the fourth auxiliary outer leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth auxiliary outer leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  520  of the third auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  522  of the third auxiliary core body. 
     A second auxiliary middle leg  550  of the third core piece  500  extends in the fourth direction  286  from and is perpendicular to the inner surface  518  of the third auxiliary core body  510  near the second end surface  514  of the third auxiliary core body. The second auxiliary middle leg has a second auxiliary middle leg end surface  552  ( FIG. 7B ). The second auxiliary middle leg has a first lateral surface  554  ( FIG. 7B ) and a second lateral surface  556  ( FIG. 7A ). The first lateral surface faces toward the first end surface of the third auxiliary core body. The second lateral surface faces toward the second end surface of the third auxiliary core body. The first lateral surface and the second lateral surface are parallel to each other and parallel to the first and second end surfaces of the third auxiliary core body. In the illustrated embodiment, the second auxiliary middle leg has a lower surface coplanar with the lower surface  520  of the third auxiliary core body and has an upper surface coplanar with the upper surface  522  of third auxiliary core body. The second auxiliary middle leg further has a second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profile  558  ( FIG. 7B ), which corresponds to the shape of the second auxiliary middle leg end surface  552 . 
     A second common height is shared by the first, second, and third auxiliary core bodies,  360 ,  460 ,  510 , the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary outer legs,  380 ,  480 ,  530 ,  540 , and the first and second auxiliary middle legs  390 ,  550 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second common height is less than the first common height, defined above. In other embodiments, the second common height may be equal to or greater than the first common height. 
     When the three core pieces  300 ,  400 ,  500  of the core structure  214  are mated (e.g., abutted) as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the first primary outer leg end surface  332  of the first core piece  300  and the third primary outer leg  432  of the second core piece  400  are positioned adjacent to each other. The second primary outer leg end surface  342  of the first core piece  300  and the fourth primary outer leg  442  of the second core piece  400  are positioned adjacent to each other. The first auxiliary outer leg end surface  382  of the first core piece  300  and the third auxiliary outer leg  532  of the third core piece  500  are positioned adjacent to each other. The second auxiliary outer leg end surface  482  of the second core piece  400  and the fourth auxiliary outer leg  542  of the third core piece  500  are positioned adjacent to each other. The first primary middle leg end surface  352  of the first core piece  300  and the second primary middle leg end surface  452  of the second core piece  400  are positioned adjacent to each other. The first auxiliary middle leg end surface  392  of the first core piece  300  and the second auxiliary middle leg end surface  552  of the third core piece  500  are positioned adjacent to each other. As described below, the respective end surfaces of the adjacent outer legs are abutting. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective end surfaces of the adjacent middle legs are shown spaced apart to form a gap therebetween. In other embodiments (not shown), the respective end surfaces of the adjacent middle legs may be abutting. 
     The first and second primary outer legs  330 ,  340  of the first core piece  300  have a common first primary length PL 1  that is defined between the inner surface  318  of the first primary core body  310  and the first and second primary outer leg end surfaces  332 ,  342 , respectively. The first primary middle leg  350  of the first core piece has a second primary length PL 2  that is defined between the inner surface of the first primary core body and the first primary middle leg end surface  352 . The third and fourth primary outer legs  430 ,  440  of the second core piece  400  have a common third primary length PL 3  that is defined between the inner surface  418  of the second primary core body  410  and the third and fourth primary outer leg end surfaces  432 ,  442 , respectively. The second primary middle leg  450  of the second core piece has a fourth primary length PL 4  that is defined between the inner surface of the second primary core body and the second primary middle leg end surface  452 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second primary length PL 2  is shorter than the common first primary length PL 1  to form a first portion of a primary gap described below. The fourth primary length PL 4  is shorter than the common third primary length PL 3  to form a second portion of the primary gap. 
     In order to align the second lateral surface  396  of the first auxiliary middle leg  390  with second primary outer leg end surface  342 , the common first length PL 1  is longer than the common third primary length by at least a width AW 1  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ) of the first auxiliary middle leg  390  of the first core piece  300 . This ensures that the first auxiliary middle leg is not split along its length. The foregoing can be shown by assuming the centerline of the first auxiliary middle leg is aligned with the overall center line CL of the core structure  214  when the end surfaces of the outer legs of the primary core pieces are mated as shown in  FIG. 10 . The centerline is thus located at a distance of ½(PL 1 +PL 3 +D 1 +D 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, D 1  and D 3  are equal. Thus, the centerline is located at ½(PL 1 +PL 3 )+D 1 . The location of the centerline can also be expressed as (PL 1 +D 3 )−½AW 1 . The two expressions can be equated such that ½(PL 1 +PL 3 )+D 1 =(PL 1 +D 3 )−½AW 1 . The equation reduces to (PL 1 −PL 3 )=AW 1 . In other embodiments, the lengths may be varied, which may result in the first auxiliary leg not being centered with respect to the overall core structure. 
     A first gap  600  may be defined between the first primary middle leg end surface  352  of the first core piece  300  and the second primary middle leg end surface  452  of the second core piece  400 . The first gap  600  includes a first gap width G 1 . The first gap width G 1  is calculated as G 1 =(PL 1 −PL 2 )+(PL 3 −PL 4 ). The first gap may also be formed by making only one of the primary middle legs shorter than the adjacent primary outer legs by a single difference corresponding to the gap width G 1  (e.g., G 1 =(PL 1 −PL 2 ) or G 1 =(PL 3 −PL 4 ). 
     The first auxiliary outer leg  380  of the first core piece  300  and the second auxiliary outer leg  480  of the second core piece  400  have a common first auxiliary length AL 1  that is defined between the inner surface  368  of the first auxiliary core body  360  and the first auxiliary outer leg end surface  382 . The common first auxiliary length AL 1  is also defined between the inner surface  468  of the second auxiliary core body  460  and the second auxiliary outer leg end surface  482 . The first auxiliary middle leg  390  of the first core piece has a second auxiliary length AL 2  that is defined between the inner surface of the first auxiliary core body and the first auxiliary middle leg end surface  392 . The third and fourth auxiliary outer legs  530 ,  540  of the third core piece  500  have a common third auxiliary length AL 3  that is defined between the inner surface  518  of the third auxiliary core body  510  and the third and fourth auxiliary outer leg end surfaces  532 ,  542 , respectively. The second auxiliary middle leg  550  of the third core piece has a fourth auxiliary length AL 4  that is defined between the inner surface of the third auxiliary core body and the second auxiliary middle leg end surface  552 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second auxiliary length AL 2  of the first auxiliary middle leg  390  is shorter than the common first auxiliary length AL 1  of the inner lateral surfaces of the first and second auxiliary outer legs  380 ,  480 . The fourth auxiliary length AL 4  of the second auxiliary middle leg  550  is shorter than the common third auxiliary length AL 3  of the third and fourth auxiliary middle legs  530 ,  540 . When the three core pieces  300 ,  400 ,  500  are abutted as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for example, a second gap  610  may be defined between the first auxiliary middle leg end surface  392  of the first core piece  300  and the second auxiliary middle leg end surface  552  of the third core piece  500 . The second gap  610  includes a second gap width G 2 . The second gap width G 2  is calculated as G 2 =(AL 1 −AL 2 )+(AL 3 −AL 4 ). In alternative embodiments, the second gap may be formed by making only one of the auxiliary middle legs shorter than the adjacent auxiliary outer legs by a single difference corresponding to the gap width G 2  (e.g., G 2 =(AL 1 −AL 2 ) or G 2 =(AL 3 −AL 4 ). 
     The first primary core body includes a first primary core body cross-sectional area PA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second primary core body includes a second primary core body cross-sectional area PA 2  ( FIG. 6A ). The first primary outer leg includes a first primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second primary outer leg includes a second primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 2  ( FIG. 5A ). The third primary outer leg includes a third primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 3  ( FIG. 6B ). The fourth primary outer leg includes a fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 4  ( FIG. 6B ). The first primary middle leg includes a first primary middle leg cross-sectional area PMA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second primary middle leg includes a second primary middle leg cross-sectional area PMA 2  ( FIG. 6B ). The first auxiliary core body includes a first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second auxiliary core body includes a second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 2  ( FIG. 6B ). The third auxiliary core body includes a third auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 3  ( FIG. 7A ). The first auxiliary outer leg includes a first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second auxiliary outer leg includes a second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 2  ( FIG. 6A ). The third auxiliary outer leg includes a third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 3  ( FIG. 7B ). The fourth auxiliary outer leg includes a fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 4  ( FIG. 7B ). The first auxiliary middle leg includes a first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area AMA 1  ( FIG. 5A ). The second auxiliary middle leg includes a second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area AMA 2  ( FIG. 7B ). 
     The first primary core body cross-sectional area PA 1  is at least as large as each of the first and second primary outer leg cross-sectional areas POA 1 , POA 2 , independently. The second primary core body cross-sectional area PA 2  is at least as large each of the third and fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional areas POA 3 , POA 4 , independently. The first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 1  is at least as large the first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 1 . The second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 2  is at least as large the second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 2 . The third auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 3  is at least as large each of the third and fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional areas AOA 3 , AOA 4 , independently. 
     The first primary core body cross-sectional area PA 1 , the first primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 1 , and the second primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 2  are substantially equal. The second primary core body cross-sectional area PA 2 , the third primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 3 , and the fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 4  are substantially equal. The first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 1 , the second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 2 , the first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 1 , and the second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 2  are substantially equal. The third auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 3 , the third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 3 , and the fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 4  are substantially equal. 
     The first primary middle leg cross-sectional area PMA 1  is at least as great as the sum of the first primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 1  and the second primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 2 . The second primary middle leg cross-sectional area PMA 2  is at least as great as the sum of the third primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 3  and the fourth primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 4 . The first auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area AMA 1  is at least as great as the sum of the first auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 1  and the second auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 2 . The second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional area AMA 2  is at least as great as the sum of the third auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 3  and the fourth auxiliary outer leg cross-sectional area AOA 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the juxtaposition of the end surfaces of the six legs forms four winding windows in the core structure  214 . A first winding window  620  is formed between the juxtaposed first and third primary outer legs  330 ,  430  and the juxtaposed first and second primary middle legs  350 ,  450 . The first winding window has a width W 1  determined by either the leg spacing between the inner lateral surface  336  of the first primary outer leg and the first lateral surface  354  of the first primary middle leg or the leg spacing between the inner lateral surface  436  of the third primary outer leg and the first lateral surface  454  of the second primary middle leg. The first winding window has a respective length determined by the sum of the common first primary length PL 1  of the first primary outer leg and the common third primary length PL 3  of the third primary outer leg. 
     A second winding window  630  is formed between the juxtaposed first and second primary middle legs  350 ,  450  and the juxtaposed second and fourth primary outer legs  340 ,  440 . The second winding window has a width W 1  determined by either the leg spacing between the second lateral surface  356  of the first primary middle leg and the inner lateral surface  346  of the second primary outer leg, or the leg spacing between the second lateral surface  456  of the second primary middle leg and the inner lateral surface  446  of the fourth primary outer leg and. The second winding window has a respective length determined by the sum of the common first primary length PL 1  of the second primary outer leg and the common third primary length PL 3  of the fourth primary outer leg. 
     A third winding window  640  is formed between the juxtaposed first and third auxiliary outer legs  380 ,  530  and the juxtaposed first and second auxiliary middle legs  390 ,  550 . The third winding window has a width W 3  determined by either the leg spacing between the inner lateral surface  386  of the first auxiliary outer leg and the first lateral surface  394  of the first auxiliary middle leg, or the leg spacing between the inner lateral surface  536  of the third auxiliary outer leg and the first lateral surface  554  of the second auxiliary middle leg. The third winding window has a respective length determined by the sum of the common first auxiliary length AL 1  of the first auxiliary outer leg and the common third auxiliary length AL 3  of the third auxiliary outer leg. 
     A fourth winding window  650  is formed between the juxtaposed first and second auxiliary middle legs  390 ,  550  and the juxtaposed second and fourth auxiliary outer legs  480 ,  540 . The fourth winding window has a width W 4  determined by either the leg spacing between the second lateral surface  396  of the first auxiliary middle leg and the inner lateral surface  486  of the second auxiliary outer leg, or the leg spacing between the second lateral surface  556  of the second auxiliary middle leg and the inner lateral surface  546  of the fourth auxiliary outer leg. The fourth winding window has a respective length determined by the sum of the common first auxiliary length AL 1  of the second auxiliary outer leg and the common third auxiliary length AL 3  of the fourth auxiliary outer leg. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first (leftmost) magnetic component  210  comprises a first bobbin  220  having a first winding  222 . The first bobbin  220  may be referred to as a primary bobbin  220 . The first bobbin is shown in more detail in  FIG. 11 . The first bobbin includes a first end flange  224  and a second end flange  226 . The bobbin may further include at least one intermediate flange  228  positioned between the first and second end flanges. A coil winding surface  230  extends between the first end flange and the second end flange. The coil winding surface may be subdivided by the at least one intermediate flange  228 , if present. The coil winding surface surrounds a first bobbin passageway  232 . The first bobbin passageway is configured to receive at least one core leg of the core structure  214 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first bobbin passageway receives the first primary middle leg  350  and the second primary middle leg  450 . The first bobbin passageway has a first end  234 , a second end  236 , and a first bobbin passageway profile  238 . The first end of the first bobbin passageway is collinear with an outer surface of the first end flange of the first bobbin. The second end of the first bobbin passageway is collinear with an outer surface of the second end flange of the first bobbin. Each flange has a width FW 1  defined between the passageway and a lateral outer periphery of the flange that is selected to be no more than either width W 1  or width W 2  of the first and second winding windows  620 ,  630 , respectively. 
     A first pin (or terminal) rail  240  extends from the first end flange  224 . A second pin (or terminal) rail  242  extends from the second end flange  226 . Each pin rail supports a plurality of pins (or terminals)  244 . Selected ones of the pins are electrically connected to the first winding  222  by conductors (not shown) in a conventional manner. 
     As shown, for example, in the cross-sectional view in  FIG. 13 , the first bobbin passageway profile  238  has a shape and a size configured to receive the first primary middle leg  350  from the second end  236  of the first bobbin passageway  232 , and configured to receive the second primary middle leg  450  from the first end  234  of the first bobbin passageway. The first and second primary middle leg cross-sectional profiles  358 ,  458  of the first and second primary middle legs  350 ,  450 , respectively, are configured to be substantially similar to the first bobbin passageway profile  238 . The first gap  600  formed by the juxtaposed end surfaces  352 ,  452  of the first and second primary middle legs is positioned in the first bobbin passageway between the first end  234  and the second end  236 . When positioned as shown in  FIG. 3  (facing the first end flange  224  of the first bobbin), the respective leftmost portions of the flanges and the leftmost portion of the winding  222  fit within the first winding window  620  ( FIG. 13 ). Likewise, when positioned as shown in  FIG. 3 , the respective rightmost portions of the flanges and the rightmost portion of the winding  222  fit within the second winding window  630  ( FIG. 13 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the second (rightmost) magnetic component  212  ( FIG. 3 ) comprises a second bobbin  250  having a second winding  252 . In certain embodiments the second bobbin may have the same or substantially the same structure as the first bobbin  220 ; however, in the illustrated embodiment, the second bobbin differs from the first bobbin. The second bobbin  250  may be referred to as an auxiliary bobbin  250 . The second bobbin includes a first end flange  254  and a second end flange  256 . A coil winding surface  260  extends between the first end flange and the second end flange. In some embodiments, the coil winding surface may be subdivided by at least one intermediate flange (not shown). The coil winding surface surrounds a second bobbin passageway  262 . The second bobbin passageway is configured to receive at least one core leg of the core structure  214 . The second bobbin passageway has a first end  264 , a second end  266 , and a first bobbin passageway profile  268 . The first end of the second bobbin passageway is collinear with an outer surface of the first end flange of the second bobbin. The second end of the second bobbin passageway is collinear with an outer surface of the second end flange of the second bobbin. Each flange has a width FW 2  defined between the passageway and a lateral outer periphery of the flange that is selected to be no more than either width W 3  or width W 4  of the third and fourth winding windows  640 ,  650 , respectively. 
     A first pin (or terminal) rail  270  extends from the first end flange  254 . A second pin (or terminal) rail  272  extends from the second end flange  256 . Each pin rail supports a plurality of pins (or terminals)  274 . Selected ones of the pins are electrically connected to the first winding  252  by conductors (not shown) in a conventional manner. 
     As shown, for example, in the cross-sectional view in  FIG. 13 , the second bobbin passageway profile  268  has a shape and a size configured to receive the first auxiliary middle leg  390  from the second end  266  of the second bobbin passageway  262 , and configured to receive the second auxiliary middle leg  550  from the first end  264  of the second bobbin passageway. The first and second auxiliary middle leg cross-sectional profiles  398 ,  558  are configured to be substantially similar to the second bobbin passageway profile  268 . The second gap  610  formed by the juxtaposed end surfaces  392 ,  552  of the first and second auxiliary middle legs is positioned in the second bobbin passageway between the first end  264  and the second end  266 . When positioned as shown in  FIG. 3  (facing the first end flange  254  of the second bobbin), the respective leftmost portions of the flanges and the leftmost portion of the winding  252  fit within the third winding window  640  ( FIG. 13 ). Likewise, when positioned as shown in  FIG. 3 , the respective rightmost portions of the flanges and the rightmost portion of the winding  252  fit within the fourth winding window  650  ( FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 14  pictorially represents the flux paths through the core structure  216  generated by the respective windings  222 ,  252  of the magnetic components  210 ,  212 . As shown, the flux generated by the first winding  222  follows a first flux path  700 , which passes through the first primary middle leg  350  and the second primary middle leg  450  positioned within the first bobbin passageway  232  onto which the first winding is wound, including the first gap  600 . The first flux path splits into a first portion  700 A and a second portion  700 B. The first portion  700 A of the first flux path passes through a portion of the second primary core body  410  of the second core piece  400  to the third primary outer leg  430 . The second portion  700 B of the first flux path passes through another portion of the second primary core body of the second core piece to the fourth primary outer leg  440 . The first portion of the first flux path passes from the third primary outer leg through the first primary outer leg  330  of the first core piece  300 . The second portion of the first flux path passes from the fourth primary outer leg through the second primary outer leg  340  of the first core piece. The first and second portions of the first flux path pass through respective portions of the first primary core body  310  of the first core piece and are recombined to pass back to the first and second primary middle legs positioned within the first winding. Accordingly, the first portion of the first flux path encompasses the first winding window  620 , and the second portion of the first flux path encompasses the second winding window  630 . 
     The flux generated by the second winding  252  follows a second flux path  710 , which passes through the first auxiliary middle leg  390  and the second auxiliary middle leg  550  positioned within the second bobbin passageway  262  onto which the second winding is wound, including the second gap  610 . The second flux path splits into a first portion  710 A and a second portion  710 B. The first portion  710 A of the first flux path passes through a portion of the third auxiliary core body  510  of the third core piece  500  to the third auxiliary outer leg  530 . The second portion  7108  of the first flux path passes through another portion of the third auxiliary core body of the third core piece to the fourth auxiliary outer leg  540 . The first portion of the second flux path passes from the third auxiliary outer leg through the first auxiliary outer leg  380  of the first core piece  300 . The second portion of the second flux path passes from the fourth auxiliary outer leg through the second auxiliary outer leg  480  of the second core piece  400 . The first and second portions of the first flux path pass through respective portions of the first and second auxiliary core bodies  360 ,  460 , of the first and second core pieces, respectively, and are recombined to pass back to the first and second auxiliary middle legs positioned within the second winding. Accordingly, the first portion of the second flux path encompasses the third winding window  640 , and the second portion of the second flux path encompasses the fourth winding window  650 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , a portion of the flux generated by the first winding  222  passes along the second portion  700 B of the first flux path  700  through the second and fourth primary outer legs  340 ,  440 . The second portion  700 B of the first flux path  700  is immediately adjacent the first portion  710 A and the second portion  710 B of the flux path  710  in the first and second auxiliary core body portions  360 ,  460  for the flux from the second winding  252 . Although the flux paths for the flux generated by the two windings, are adjacent, the second primary outer leg cross-sectional area POA 2 , the fourth outer leg cross-sectional area POA 4 , the first auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 1 , and the second auxiliary core body cross-sectional area AA 2  are selected to be sufficiently great in order to be able to accommodate the flux generated by the two windings without exceeding a desired flux density. Accordingly, the magnetic fluxes generated by two windings do not interact. 
     One benefit of the magnetic assembly  200  disclosed herein is illustrated pictorially in  FIG. 15 , which shows the first magnetic assembly  110  and the second magnetic assembly  112  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  replaced with the single magnetic assembly  200  of  FIG. 2 . As illustrated, a structural gap  800  between the first magnetic assembly and the second magnetic assembly is eliminated by the improved single core structure. Furthermore, the new magnetic assembly rotates the second bobbin  250  ninety degrees relative to the first bobbin  220 . Thus, the overall structure requires less area on a printed circuit board. By taking up less area on the printed circuit board, the new magnetic assembly increases power density. Furthermore, the installation steps are reduced by having to install only a single magnetic component instead of two separate magnetic components. 
     The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.