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

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

August 3, 2021

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) 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