Power converter using a planar energy transfer element

A power converter comprising:

• a stack of circuit layers having a first surface and a hole which extends through each of the circuit layers, a portion of the circuit layers forming an energy transfer element, the energy transfer element comprising an input winding having at least one winding layer and an output winding having at least one winding layer, each winding layer including a winding and connections for electrical connectivity;
• a magnetic core positioned within the hole substantially perpendicular to the stack;
• an area of the stack of circuit layers encompassing the windings and connections for electrical connectivity of the input and output windings;
• and
• power converter circuit components mounted on a first surface of the stack of circuit layers and a second surface of the stack of circuit layers, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to each other, the power converter circuit components comprising:
• a first portion of the power converter circuit components are input circuit components mounted on the first surface within the area of the stack and external to the magnetic core, wherein the input circuit components are electrically connected to the input winding;
• and
• a second portion of the power converter circuit components are output circuit components mounted on the second surface within the area of the stack and external to the magnetic core, wherein the output circuit components are electrically connected to the output winding.