New Industry Products

Metal Composite Power Inductors for HV Applications including GaN-Based Converters

June 19, 2019 by Scott McMahan

Kemet Corporation launched a new range of SMD metal composite power inductors. Devices in the new METCOM series are suitable for developing more efficient dc-dc switch mode power supplies as well as other power-related applications including EMI filtering. The metal-composite core offers high current saturation properties that enable the inductors to maintain function with the large ripple currents usually found in modern power applications.

These inductors can be used for high-frequency dc-dc converters, including WBG GaN applications, PCs and servers, POLs, FPGAs, and battery powered regulators.

High permeability enables low levels of dc resistance that result in significantly reduced self-heating during high current operation, increasing system efficiency and reducing the need for thermal design considerations.

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A shielded construction containing the magnetic flux within the inductor body increases the efficiency of operation. This shielding also enhances EMI performance and eliminates interference with surrounding circuitry, significantly simplifying power supply approvals.

Kemet designed the new inductors specifically for use in dc-dc converters that are utilized in a variety of commercial and consumer applications such as tablets, notebook computers, servers, and HDTVs. Qualification of the devices to AEC-Q200 guidelines for automotive applications is in process.

With a total of 102 devices covering inductance from 0.10µH to 47.00µH, the METCOM series has DCR values as low as 1.5mΩ. The inductors support currents up to 35.4A and operating temperatures of -55°C and +155°C. Footprints as small as 5.3mm x 5.00mm and profiles as low as 2.0mm make the METCOM series suitable for densely-packed modern power applications.

"Increasing power supply density and efficiency is a key challenge for many designers. When it comes to size, reliability and performance the METCOM inductors offer very low losses in a small form factor, helping designers to develop modern, high-performance power solutions that meet increasingly stringent application requirements," Dr. Philip Lessner, Kemet Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer said.

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Benefits

  • Metal composite powder
  • Shielded construction, SMD configuration
  • Inductance range from 0.10µH to 47.00µH
  • Operating temperature up to +155°C
  • Low acoustic noise
  • Low magnetic flux leakage