3 New Inductors Expand Design Flexibility for DC-DC Conversion

With the electronics industry prioritizing efficiency and precision, inductors are an increasingly important part of the equation. Modern power supply designs rely heavily on accurate inductance values to achieve optimal resonance and maximize energy efficiency.

Inductors with high current handling and robust voltage ratings are essential for smaller electronic devices and automotive systems. Recognizing the demand for this important component, ITG Electronics, TAIYO YUDEN, and Würth Elektronik have each recently released inductor products for applications ranging from automotive to industrial. 

ITG’s Resonant Inductors

ITG Electronics recently introduced the RL111008A and RL111010A series of high-voltage resonant inductors for precision LLC power conversion applications. These inductors feature a tightly controlled inductance tolerance of ±5% to achieve accurate resonant frequencies for power conversion efficiency.

The RL111008A series provides inductance values ranging from 3 µH to 65 µH and supports currents as high as 64 A at the lowest inductance level. The RL111010A series offers inductances between 16.7 µH and 200 µH, handling up to 32 A at the lower end of its range.

Inductance characteristics of the RL111010A. Image used courtesy of ITG Electronics

Both series utilize ferrite cores and are specified for high-voltage conditions, rated at 600 VAC and 1,000 VDC, with a dielectric strength of 4,500 VDC between winding and core.

Architecturally, the RL111008A and RL111010A inductors differ in footprint size. The RL111008A measures 27.5 mm x 21.0 mm, while the RL111010A occupies a slightly larger footprint at 27.5 mm x 25.5 mm. Each variant maintains a maximum component height of 26.0 mm. They also operate within a temperature range of -55°C to +130°C.

TAIYO YUDEN’s Wire-Wound Ferrite Power Inductors

TAIYO YUDEN recently announced the LCQPB series of wire-wound ferrite power inductors for automotive applications. Meeting the AEC-Q200 qualification standard for automotive-grade passive components, the LCQPB series is designed specifically for DC-DC converter applications, where they will act as choke coils and noise filters. According to the company, the new series expands upon its existing offerings, including metallic inductors (LCEN, LCCN) and ferrite inductors (LCXN, LCXH), to provide engineers a broader selection of materials and structures for optimized circuit design flexibility.

The compact size of TAIYO YUDENs LCQPB series inductors. Image used courtesy of Taiyo Yuden

A unique aspect of the LCQPB series is its frameless structural design that significantly reduces the component footprint and facilitates compact, high-density circuit integration. The components in this family measure 3.2 mm x 1.9 mm and can accommodate saturation currents up to 4.1 A. The design aims to maintain high-frequency noise suppression effectiveness despite its compact size. Inductance values in the family range from 0.22 uH to 100 uH.

Würth Elektronik’s Flat-Wire Inductors

Würth Elektronik designed its new WE-PMFI molded flat-wire inductors for high-frequency, high-current applications. With feature dimensions as small as 2.0 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.0 mm and operating with DC resistances starting from 4.8 mΩ, the WE-PMFI inductors support operating voltages up to 48 V and temperatures ranging from -55°C to +150°C. They specifically target compact DC-DC converter designs that require switching frequencies above one megahertz.

WE-PMFI rated current versus competitors. Image used courtesy of Würth Elektronik

Würth claims its flat-wire winding optimizes thermal dissipation and mechanical robustness while also improving efficiency. Compared to traditional round-wire inductors, flat-wire windings achieve a larger cross-sectional area and therefore reduce DC resistance and associated I²R losses. Additionally, the flat-wire design reduces eddy current losses at high frequencies. Tests demonstrate that the WE-PMFI inductors provide a 50% lower DC resistance, 40% higher rated current, and 30% increased saturation current relative to similar market alternatives.

Würth offers WE-PMFI inductors in inductance values ranging from 100 nH to 4.7 µH.  

Next-Generation Inductors

Power electronics are trending toward greater efficiency and shrinking form factors, and that means engineers need inductors capable of high-current performance in limited spaces. ITG Electronics, Taiyo Yuden, and Würth Elektronik are each responding uniquely to these demands with specialized solutions for emerging challenges in DC-DC conversion.