TDK's thin-film metal power inductors suit automotive power supplies

TDK has expanded its portfolio of compact thin-film metal power inductors with a new type designed for demanding automotive applications. Measuring in at a mere 2.0 mm x 1.6 mm x 1.0 mm, the new TDK TFM201610ALMA thin-film metal power inductor features the world's highest rated current of 1.9 A for a power inductor of its size*. Its rated inductance is 2.2 µH. Despite its miniature dimensions, the component provides a low DC resistance of 152 mΩ.

Based on a high-precision coil pattern, advanced plating technology and low-resistance materials, the thin-film metal power inductor helps improve the efficiency of power circuits. Moreover, the component has stable DC superposition characteristics, which serve to minimize the ripple current in the power circuit. Thanks also to the use of a highly heat resistant material, the TFM201610ALMA has a broad temperature range of -55 °C to +125 °C. Mass production of the new components will begin in September 2016.

Today’s automobiles not only use electronically-controlled devices for various functions, but are also equipped with an increasing number of ECUs for communications, information, autonomous driving, and other functions. As a result, compact components with high rated currents are in demand for automotive applications. The miniature size and excellent electrical performance parameters of the TFM201610ALMA, which is qualified to AEC-Q200, make it well suited for use in automotive power supplies in advanced driving assistant systems (ADAS), for example.

TDK plans to increase the operating temperature range to a maximum of 165 °C in the future. In addition, the lineup of TFM201610ALMA thin-film metal power inductors will be expanded in the future to include components with different package sizes and high rated inductance values that meet the requirements of diverse demanding applications.

TDK