PL10104

Fixed Inductors

Fixed inductors, also referred to as inductors or power inductors, are electrical components used in circuits for the purpose of storing and transferring electrical energy. This type of electrical component is usually constructed from a single loop of wire or a wound coil of wire. The wire can be made of copper, aluminum, or an alloy depending on the application. The electrical properties of fixed inductors are determined by the magnetic properties of the wire used to construct them.

Fabrication of Fixed Inductors

The choice in composition of the wire which comprises a fixed inductor is critical in determining performance. Copper based wire winding, for instance, can offer high frequency inductors, whilst aluminum-based wire provides superior low frequency performance and smaller size. Depending on the application, two or more conductive materials such as metalized plastic and magnet wire can also be employed.

Application Area of Fixed Inductors - PL10104

The PL10104 is an optimized SMD power inductor specifically designed to deliver superior performance for automotive electronics, telecom base stations and industrial equipment. The optimization is mainly in size – up to 33% smaller in volume than comparable parts. In addition, it delivers excellent performance across the temperature range of -40 to +125°C and a wide frequency range from 30 to 1200 kHz. The PL10104 also boasts a high inductance of 2.2±20% μH, a high current rating of 4.2A and a DC resistance of 0.04 ohms. It is also very reliable, with a rated lifetime of up to 2000 hours.

Working Principle of Fixed Inductors

A fixed inductor works by permitting the electrical energy that is passed through it to accumulate in a magnetic field. This energy is stored in the form of a magnetic field until it is removed, allowing newly-applied energy to be stored in its place. The total amount of energy stored in the magnetic field is proportional to the number of turns of wire in the inductor and inversely proportional to its core material used. By controlling the core material used and the number of turns, the inductance of the inductor can be tuned to the desired value.

Fixed inductors are commonly employed in a wide variety of contexts such as power conversion, electrical motors and engines, and in flyback, boost, inverter, and buck circuits. They are also used in many portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptops, and PDAs, as well as in military vehicles, satellites, and aircraft.