TDK Corporation has developed a series of thin-film metal power inductors for automotive power circuits. The new TFM201210ALMA inductors feature a mounting area of 2.0×1.25×1.0mm, downsized approximately 22 percent from the company’s conventional product, TFM201610ALMA (2.0×1.6×1.0mm).

The demand for electronic control unit (ECU) mounting for the electrification of various automotive controlling functions, autonomous driving, information communication and other purposes has increased recently. Downsized inductors for power circuits contribute to space saving in a mounting substrate, at a time when quick advances in advanced driving autonomous system (ADAS) performance increase the number of components typically used in system architectures.

In addition to its compact dimensions, 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 to +150°C, one of the highest 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, the TFM Series includes a lineup of products with a rated voltage of 40V, allowing use on an automotive power circuit side directly connected with a 12V battery.

The new power inductor can be applied to automotive camera module and communication module for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X).