High-current, molded power inductors offer novel termination options

By Alix Paultre, contributing editor

With useful features like side metal terminations for automated optical inspection during the solder reflow, the XTL7030 series of molded power inductors offers values from 10 µH to 47 µH, significantly higher than similar products currently available, as well as current handling up to 5.3 A with significantly low power losses for higher-efficiency operation.

The 7.1-mm halogen-free square inductors have a maximum height of 3.2 mm, with RoHS-compliant tin/silver-over-copper terminations. The devices are qualified to AEC-Q200 Grade 1 standards (–40°C to 125°C ambient), making them suitable for automotive and other harsh-environment applications.
The XAR7030 Series measure 8.5 mm² , with terminals that elevate the inductor body 1.5 mm from the board surface and a novel off-the-board construction that allows standard power management IC packages to be mounted beneath the inductor in a 3D packaging arrangement. The series is available with inductance values ranging from 0.16 µH to 10 µH with a DCR as low as 1.26 mΩ with RoHS-compliant matte tin-over-nickel-over-phos/bronze terminations and is also halogen-free.

The composite construction of both products results in soft saturation characteristics, allowing them to withstand high current spikes. They present no thermal aging issues, and their construction minimizes piezoelectric noise.