Low profile coupled inductor

A low-profile coupled inductor, comprising:

• a first core having a first inner surface, a first plurality of projections connected to the first inner surface, and a serpentine channel on the first inner surface formed by the first plurality of projections, wherein the first plurality of projections comprises a first projection, a second projection, and a third projection, wherein the second projection is between the first and the third projections, wherein the first and the third projections are disposed at a first elevation along the first inner surface, and wherein the second projection is disposed at a second elevation along the first inner surface, the second elevation different than the first elevation;
• a second core having a second inner surface and a serpentine channel on the second inner surface formed by a second plurality of projections;
• and
• first and second conducting strips, each of the first and second conducting strips having an inlet port and an outlet port,
• wherein the first conducting strip extends along the serpentine channel of the first core and the second conducting strip extends along the serpentine channel of the second core.