In one embodiment, the instant invention can provide an inductor that at least includes the following component(s): at least one FAP positioned along at least one magnetic flux path; where the at least one FAP is a high permeability core gap piece; and where the at least one FAP has an effective magnetic permeability that varies based on at least in part on one of the following factors: i) at least one magnetic flux through the at least one FAP, and ii) sufficient heating of the at least one FAP.