Combined common mode inductor and differential signal transformer

A system comprising

• a switching unit adapted to receive an input DC power and output an output AC power;
• and
• a common mode inductor connected to switching unit and adapted to convey the output AC as a differential output AC,
• the common mode inductor including:
• a core with a first winding and a second winding, the first winding and the second winding forming a differential pair of conductors arranged to convey a differential communication signal;
• a third winding extending along, and being inductively coupled to, at least a portion of the first winding;
• and
• a fourth winding extending along, and being inductively coupled to, at least a portion of the second winding,
• wherein the third winding and the fourth winding are connected in series with each other and adapted to provide a sensor signal induced by the differential communication signal in the first winding and the second winding.

A method for measuring a differential communication signal in a common mode inductor comprising:

• a core with a first winding and a second winding, the first winding and the second winding forming a differential pair of conductors arranged to convey the differential signal,
• a third winding extending along, and being inductively coupled to, at least a portion of the first winding;
• a fourth winding extending along, and being inductively coupled to, at least a portion of the second winding, the third winding and the fourth winding are connected in series with each other;
• the method, comprising:
• transmitting a differential communication signal through the first winding and the second winding;
• and
• measuring the differential communication signal based on a sensor signal induced in the third and fourth winding.