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Inductors: TDK develops downsized, compact, thin-film power inductors for automotive power circuits

2021-08-03 | Return

> Compact size: 2.0 mm (L) x 1.25 mm (W) x 1.0 mm (H)
> Supports an operation range between –55 °C and +150 °C
> Increased robustness against mechanical stress due to the resin electrode structure and thermal shocks
> Compliant with AEC-Q200 Rev D

TDK Corporation has developed a series of thin-film metal power inductors for automotive power circuits. The new TFM201210ALMA inductors feature a mounting area downsized approximately 22 % from TDK’s conventional product, TFM201610ALMA (2.0 mm (L) x 1.6 mm (W) x 1.0 mm (H)). Mass production will begin in August 2021.

Demand has recently increased in ECU* mounting for the electrification of various automotive controlling functions, autonomous driving, information communication and other purposes. Downsized inductors for power circuits contribute to space-saving in a mounting substrate, at a time when quick advances in ADAS** performance increase the number of components typically used in system architectures.

In addition to its compact dimension of 2.0 mm (L) x 1.25 mm (W), this series uses the TDK proprietary metallic magnetic material as its core material. The thin-film inductors support a wide range of operating temperatures from -55 °C to +150 °C, the highest level in the industry***. Moreover, it features increased robustness against mechanical stress, such as vibrations and shocks due to the resin electrode structure.

In addition to the new items, TFM series includes a lineup of products with a rated voltage of 40 V, allowing use on an automotive power circuit side directly connected with a 12 V battery.

***Source: TDK, as of July 2021

Glossary

> *ECU: Electronic Control Unit
> **ADAS: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

Main applications

> Automotive camera module
> Communication module for V2X

Main features and benefits

> A compact size of 2.0 mm (L) x 1.25 mm (W) x 1.0 mm (H) to facilitate space saving
> Supporting an operation temperature range between –55 °C and +150 °C (including self-heating)
> Increased robustness against mechanical stress due to the resin electrode structure and thermal shocks

Key data

Type	Inductance [μH]	DC resistance [mΩ] max.	Isat^* [A] max.	Itemp^** [A] max.	Rated voltage [V]
TFM201210ALMAR56MTAA	0.56 ± 20 %	49	3.0	2.8	20
TFM201210ALMA2R2MTAA	2.2 ± 20 %	282	1.2	1.1	20

* Isat*: Current value based on inductance variation (30 % lower than the initial L value)
* Itemp**: Current value based on temperature increase (Temperature increase of 40 °C by self-heating)
* Rated current: Current value shall be IsatMax or ItempMax, whichever is less

Source: http://www.littelfuse.com/