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NIC Components’ SMT Power Inductors Built to Operate Up to +155°C

November 20, 2019 by Cabe Atwell

The NPIM_PE series are automotive-grade metal composite SMT power inductors with an operating temperature range of ‐55°C to +155°C.

NIC Components has recently announced a new addition to its product line with the automotive-grade NPIM_PE series of SMT power inductors.

 

NPIM-PE

NPIM_PE. Image from NIC Components
 

NIC Components states their NPIM_PE series of shielded power inductors are RoHS and REACH compliant and halogen-free. They also reflow soldering heat rated to +260°C.

 

NPIM_PE series reflow soldering profile

NPIM_PE series reflow soldering profile. Image from NIC Components
 

The series offers nine molded metal composite case sizes that range from 5.7mm x 5.2mm to 23.5mm x 22.0mm (L x W) sizes with a component height of 2.8mm to 12.6mm. They also feature an inductive range of 0.1uH to 100uH in ±20% tolerance and offer a high saturation current ratings up to 115A. 

 

AEC-Q200 Qualification

The molded metal composite inductors are AEC-Q200 qualified, which the Automotive Electronics Council established as a global standard for stress resistance that all passive electronic components must meet within the automotive industry. 

NPIM_PE series, AEC-Q200 Qualified

The new power inductor is AEC-Q200 qualified. Image from NIC Components
 

The scope of the tests needed for the NPIM_PE series to become AEC-Q200 qualified is wide-ranging, including:

  • a flame retardant test, HBM (Human Body Model)
  • electrostatic discharge test
  • beam load (break strength) test
  • board-flex/terminal bond strength test
  • voltage surge test

These tests aim to provide a benchmark for temperature and pressure resistance to ensure those components meet a strict level of safety and consistency.

 

Applications for the NPIM_PE Series

The NPIM_PE series of power inductors feature an extended operating temperature range of -55°C to +155°C (ambient + self-heating), making them perfect for vehicles running in both low- and high-temperature environments.

They can be used in other applications as well, including DC-DC conversion in automotive systems, LED drivers, power supplies, and industrial equipment, as well as motor drives, and networking/communications use. 

 

Around the Industry

The NPIM_PE series is comparable to several other notable power inductors around the industry. 

This includes TDK's SPM series of metal composite type wire-wound inductors, which feature an operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, and are designed to reduce magnetic flux leakage and suppress acoustic noise of the coil. 

Vishay's IHLP automotive-grade power inductors can also operate in temperatures up to 155°C. Vishay reports that the series can withstand high transient current spikes without
saturation. The three new members of the IHLP family, packaged in a 1212 case, feature inductances ranging from 0.10 to 3.3 µH and profiles as low as 1.0 mm.

 


 

What do you make of the trend to have all passives AEC-Q200-qualified? Share your thoughts in the comments below.