Thin-film chip inductors boast automotive-grade accuracy

AVX has launched a new series of thin-film multilayer chip inductors for high-frequency automotive signal and power applications. The Accu-L Series inductors — qualified to the AEC-Q200 standard — feature high Q, high self-resonant frequency (SRF), low DC resistance (R_dc ), and robust high-frequency performance from 450 MHz to 2,400 MHz.

Automotive designs demand apex accuracy, which, in turn, mandates matching networks and filters in vehicle-to-vehicle communications, infotainment, vehicle location, keyless entry, and radar systems.

These thin-film chip inductors are small, ruggedly constructed, and deliver ultra-tight inductance tolerances. AVX claims that inductors offer intra-lot and lot-to-lot physical and electrical consistency, which makes them highly suitable for automotive signal and power applications.

“Accu-L Series inductors virtually eliminate the variances in dielectric quality, electrode conductivity, and physical size that are inherent to ceramic capacitor technologies,” said Larry Eisenberger, principal technical marketing engineer at AVX.

The automotive-grade Accu-L inductors are rated for use in temperatures ranging from –55°C to 125°C. They are RoHS-compliant and provide lead-free compatible nickel- and solder-coated terminations. Moreover, they are compatible with flexible and alumina circuit boards as well as automated reflow and hand-soldering processes.

The Accu-L Series inductors boast low profile and are available in 0402 and 0805 chip sizes. Inductance values for 0402 parts extend from 0.56 nH to 6.8 nH, inductance tolerances span ±0.05 nH to ±0.5 nH, and minimum SRF values range from 6,500 MHz to 20,000 MHz. Next, inductance values for 0805 parts extend from 1.2 nH to 22 nH, inductance tolerances span ±0.1 nH to ±5 nH, and minimum SRF values range from 1,400 MHz to 20,000 MHz.