Among the many SMD components, you will find some that are generally not written about much, yet we should not underestimate their importance. TME offers a full range of power inductors and all other electronic components supplied by a world-renowned manufacturer, American company KEMET.
For over a century, KEMET has been manufacturing electronic components that are applied in spacecrafts, electric vehicles or high-end defibrillators used in hospitals. For many decades, the KEMET name has been associated worldwide with capacitors, electromechanical devices and electromagnetic compatibility solutions.
MPEV series inductors available at TME
What are power inductors and what is their purpose?
The inductor is a component that stores energy in a magnetic field. One of the main tasks of inductors is to limit sudden current fluctuations. If the inductor is suddenly disconnected, and the value of the current flowing in the circuit rapidly decreases to ~0 (in a very short time, e.g. 0.5 ms), overvoltage may be induced in such a component. The main parameters that define inductors are their inductance and maximum current – these two values are usually taken into account when selecting the most suitable component for a given project.
MPEV series of wire-wound inductors by KEMET – characteristics
This series of components counts 21 models available from the TME catalogue. They are housed in composite cases based on a metal matrix and offered in two standard sizes: 7.25 x 6.7 x 3.0 mm (9 models) and 11.1 x 10.2 x 4 mm (12 models).
All KEMET MPEV inductors are suitable for operation at temperatures from -55°C to 180°C and all of them boast a test frequency of 100 kHz. Each model also meets the requirements of the AEC-Q200 standard. These coils are a perfect fit for use in DC/DC switch-mode converters applied in the modern automotive field, among others. Their metal composite core offers high saturation characteristics while maintaining functionality at high-current transients. Their inductance is so stable at high temperatures that they can operate even at 180°C. Typical application areas for KEMET MPEV inductors in the automotive industry include LED headlights, head-up display (HUDs), electric water and oil pumps and electric power assisted steering.
KEMET wire-wound inductors will suit even the most demanding applications.
KEMET MPEV inductors feature a number of much-desired properties. One of these is the wide operating temperature range (-55°C to 180°C) mentioned above. Apart from that, you can expect:
- composite housing based on a metal core structure,
- SMD shielded design,
- wide inductance range,
- low noise level,
- low magnetic flux leakage,
- compliance with the requirements of strict standards (AEC-Q200 qualification).
When it comes to inductance, which is one of the two most important parameters of wire-wound inductors, the series includes models with inductance rated at 0.47, 0.68, 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, 3.3, 4.7, 6.8 and 10.0 μH (two models per each), and models rated at 15.0, 22.0 and 47.0 μH (one model each). Saturation current values for the entire series range from 4.0 A to 42 A with a tolerance of +/- 20%. Resistance values are also very important – these range from 2.4 Ω to 182.6 Ω for the entire series.
KEMET MPEV inductors – storage conditions and shelf-life
KEMET MPEV wire-wound inductors are devices that require proper handling. Under normal conditions, they can be stored for several months, however, having in mind the solderability optimisation, this period should not be longer than 6-7 months. If stored in environments with elevated temperatures (above 40°C) and humidity (above 70%), or in corrosive atmospheres containing sulphur or chlorine compounds, they may be exposed to rapid deterioration.
