Inductors aim to boost DC/DC efficiency

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Apr 12, 2005

A new series of low-profile surface-mount flat coil inductors for use in multiphase voltage regulator modules supports the increasing current needs of DC/DC applications.

Pulse has released a new series of low profile, surface mount (SMT) flat coil inductors, the PG0255NL range.

With a saturation current rating up to 30A and a heating current rating up to 38A, these inductors are designed for multiphase voltage regulator modules (VRMs) supporting the increasing current needs of Vcore power in DC/DC applications.

The new PG0255NL series is ideal for point of load (POL) systems, distributed power architecture (DPA), DC/DC convertors, VRMs, high-speed servers and workstations, PC notebooks, telecomms switching networks, routers and basestation equipment.

The four inductors in the series, the PG0255.201NL, PG0255.401NL, PG0255.601NL and PG0255.222NL, have inductance values from 0.2 to 2.2uH.

The range of inductance values gives VRM designers the ability to tailor their designs for faster transient response with the lower inductance values or to lower switching losses using lower switching frequencies with the higher inductance values.

The inductors' low DC resistance of 0.55 to 7.0mohm and low AC loss result in lower copper losses, providing high efficiency in DC/DC power conversion applications.

Pulse's flat coil inductor windings are made of rectangular copper (flat wire) wound helically, similar to a spring.

The rectangular copper wire has a larger surface area than round wire resulting in a reduced skin effect loss.

The rectangular wire provides more copper in the same volume than round wire to reduce the direct current resistance in a low profile.

The rectangular wire winding also provides a self-terminating lead to increase reliability and reduce cost.

These low cost, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant components have a compact, standard footprint of 11.5 x 10.3mm with a low profile of 4.0mm maximum.

The operating temperature for the PG0255NL series ranges from -40 to +125C.

The PG0255NL series parts are available in tape-and-reel packaging.