By Jean-Jacques DeLisle, contributing writer
An inductor — sometimes called a coil, choke, or reactor — is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it. Inductors traditionally consist of an insulated wire wound into a coil around a core, but that is about to change. These new inductors have surpassed their predecessors in many unique ways. Here, we will look at some of the latest products launched in the market.
Pulse Electronics Power BU announced the release of the new PA434X.XXXANLT series of automotive molded inductors as well as the extension of its line of industrial-grade molded inductors by adding the PA4346 and PA4349 series.
“With the addition of our new high-temp automotive-grade molded inductors, Pulse adds yet another dimension to our capabilities to support the expanding array of product application needs,” stated Geoffrey Wildman, global marketing manager of Pulse Electronics Power Business Unit.
The new inductor series is designed to handle higher transient current spikes than previous models without the saturation and thermal aging that caused problems in the past. The new inductors offer a wider range of operating temperatures as well, making them useful for a variety of applications that would not have been possible in the past.
Another new inductor series targeting the automotive industry is TT Electronics’ new SMD power inductor that is well suited for use in high-efficiency DC/DC converters using high switching frequencies up to 3 MHz as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and low-pass DC filters. In the automotive industry, the uses for this AEC-Q200-certified inductor include powertrain, engine control, transmission control, LED driver, ABS braking systems, EPS, radar systems, and camera control systems. The inductors are also being looked at for use in the industrial sectors in high-powered DC converters.
The HA66 series has many advantages including a low-profile, low-loss, and a ferrite-based inductor available with a wide range of inductances and sizes. The new series comprises a range of 38 inductors with inductance ratings from 2.5 µH all the way up to 220 µH. The inductors also offer DC resistances from 0.018 Ω to 0.820 Ω, Irms values from 1.22 A to 11.2 A, and high saturation current of up to 4.4 A. They are available in two sizes — 5.7 x 5.7 x 3 mm and 6.7 x 6.7 x 4 mm — making them suitable for high-power-density applications with space constraints. These magnetically shielded parts also feature a much higher operating temperature range of −40°C to 125°C.
Also targeting automotive and other harsh-environment applications is Coilcraft’s XEL50xx family of high-performance, molded power inductors. These new inductors can provide an exceptionally low DC resistance and ultra-low AC losses. These advances greatly improve power converter efficiency at high frequencies up to 2 MHz to 5+ MHz and can handle a high ripple current.
By using high switching frequencies or high ripple current, the inductors are able to achieve a lower inductance value, which results in a much more compact and smaller part without sacrificing its electrical specifications. The XEL50xx family inductors measure 5.28 x 5.48 mm with a maximum height of 3.2 mm, which is smaller than previous models.
XEL50xx inductors are qualified to AEC-Q200 Grade 1 standards (−40°C to 125°C ambient) with a maximum part temperature of 165°C, making them suitable for automotive and other harsh-environment applications. They feature RoHS-compliant, tin-silver-over-copper terminations, and are halogen-free. Their composite construction also minimizes vibrations, which can cause audible buzzing during operation.
Vishay Intertechnology announced a new high-current planar choke that delivers the same performance as wirewound devices but within a fraction of the space. The IPLA 32 measures 31 x 43 x 22.2 mm and is rated for currents all the way up to 110 A. This advancement will allow DC/DC converters to function in only a fraction of the space that they used to require.
The IPLA 32 is available with standard inductance values of 1 μH, 2 μH, 3 μH, and 4 μH. The inductors are also magnetically shielded for low EMI and feature high self-resonance frequency and very stable performance versus temperature, said Vishay.
Vishay said that the IPLA 32 device’s recommended frequency range of 100 kHz to 800 kHz IPLA 32 will enable more compact and lightweight DC/DC circuitry in electric and hybrid cars and off-road vehicles as well as embedded systems.
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
