Pulse Introduces Dual-phase Coupled Inductor For Notebook Computers
Pulse introduced the PA2143NL surface mount coupled power bead inductor. This dual-phase coupled inductor is designed to support Volterra’s VT1300 multi-phase voltage regulator which implements Volterra’s patented inductor topology. The dual-staple inductor design lowers direct current resistance (DCR), and the low-loss ferrite core reduces inductor switching losses. The result is described as a highly efficient voltage regulation system with a smaller footprint and a low system cost. This coupled inductor is designed for use in notebook computers where battery life, performance, and efficiency are major concerns.
The Pulse PA2143NL RoHS-compliant inductor has two phases magnetically coupled into a single part. Each phase has an equivalent transient inductance (Lk) of 50nH and a magnetizing inductance (Lm) of 160nH minimum. Each phase is rated for 30A and has a DCR of 0.28mΩ maximum. These parts can accommodate a 5A current imbalance between phases, ensuring they will operate well in less-than-ideal conditions. The low profile 4.0mm and small footprint 11.8 x 11.4mm make it ideal for notebook CPU applications.
In a non-coupled dual-phase dc-dc converter, each phase has an independent inductor. To improve transient response, inductance must be reduced; however, this reduction causes an increase in current ripple per phase which results in a decrease in efficiency. Taking advantage of the dual-phase coupled inductor topology, two inductors are integrated on the same magnetic core and the interaction of the magnetic fields from each phase enables a 50% reduction in the equivalent inductance without increasing the current ripple per phase. The reduction in ripple current increases efficiency and prolongs battery life for notebook computing. According to the company, the performance improvement of the PA2143NL is accompanied by a reduction in total inductor footprint of more than 40% and a cost reduction of more than 25% when compared with a two inductor solution.
"This Pulse inductor replaces the two separate inductors used in most notebook Vcore applications with just one part," said John Gallagher, Pulse Field Application Engineer. "It takes up less board space than two non-coupled inductors, is more cost effective, and the topology allows use of a lower equivalent inductance which improves the transient response without adversely affecting efficiency."
The PA2143NL inductor is available packaged in tape-and-reel and in trays with prices of $0.28 in quantities of 100,000.
