Miniaturization continues in chip inductors

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

SMDs have led to more compact, thinner yet still powerful devices, and will remain an important trend as applications require high-performance components with space and weight benefits in dense circuits. In chip inductors, one of the three key passives in electronics, initiatives to achieve configurations in smaller packages persist.

Chinese manufacturers, aiming to catch up with foreign competition, are working to include 01005 and 008004 variants in their miniaturization capability. Tier-one companies are currently the only ones that can offer these sizes. Shenzhen Sunlord is producing 008004 chip inductors in small batches, mainly for high-end smartphones, other consumer electronic devices and automobile electronics. Its new factory, completed and operational in late 2021, is expected to mass manufacture ultrasmall chip inductors in the next two or three years. For most Chinese suppliers, the typical sizes available are 0201, 0402, 0603, 0805, 1210 and bigger.

Alongside miniaturization efforts, China’s product development will focus on high-power chip inductors. This type has high current withstanding capability, low resistance and tested stability in performance.

Wirewound, multilayer, weaving and thin-film kinds make up the mainstream selection in China, with the first two forming the bulk of shipments. Multilayer units have been selling well in recent years. Chinese companies interviewed by Global Sources attributed this popularity to small size, high density, enhanced heat dissipation and low price.

Chip inductors from Chinese manufacturers generally have low resistance, and high Q value, precision and reliability. In addition to consumer, mobile and automotive electronics, they are used in communications, security, medical and office automation equipment.

Materials and components used, including ferrite cores, coils, wires and cases, are usually sourced from domestic providers. Their costs rose in 2021 and pushed up product prices by 5 to 10 percent. In the coming months, they may stabilize and keep quotes at current levels.

Up to 75A current rating

This SMD chip inductor from Shanghai Meisongbei Electronics Co. Ltd, the Meisongbei-MSPE, has up to 75A current rating and low DCR. Its operating temperature is -20 to 85 C. An order of at least 2,000 units is required. This has a 10-day lead time.

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-40 to 85 C operating temperature

Suitable for use in DC-DC, and step-up and down converters, LCDs, laptops and flash memory programmers, the Meisongbei-MSP5022 chip inductor from Shanghai Meisongbei Electronics Co. Ltd has high energy storage and heat resistance, and low DCR. It operates in -40 to 85 C. A minimum order of 2,000 units is required for delivery in 10 days.

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Up to 10GHz SRF

Model HMCC-Multilayer Chip Inductor from Shenzhen Crystal Technology Industrial Co. Ltd has up to 10GHz SRF and is compatible with 2.4 and 5GHz applications. It has a monolithic structure for high reliability and is available in 1x0.5x0.5mm, 1.6x0.8x0.8mm and 2x1.2x0.9mm variants. This passive component meets CE, FCC and RoHS requirements. The 1,000-unit minimum order is delivered within seven days.

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1 to 1,200µH inductance

The HCD Series offered by Shenzhen Crystal Technology Industrial Co. Ltd is an RoHS-compliant wirewound SMD chip inductor with 1 to 1,200µH inductance suitable for large-current applications, including DC-DC converters. The minimum order is 1,000 units. Lead time is seven days.

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1 to 56µH inductance

From Zhuhai Eastever Electronics Co. Ltd, the EPNR3010 chip inductor has 1 to 56µH inductance, 20 or 30 percent tolerance and 65 to 2,320mohm DCR. The minimum order is 500 units for delivery within 30 days.

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1.2 to 1,000µH inductance

Zhuhai Eastever Electronics Co. Ltd’s ERH73 chip inductor has 1.2 to 1,000µH inductance, 20 or 30 percent tolerance and 18.5 to 6,150mohm DCR. The supplier requires an order of 500 units. Delivery is within 30 days.

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