Surface-mount inductors show it's hip to be square

As systems get smaller and thinner, designers must force every component into smaller footprints and heights. At the same time, a square shape is better suited to proper orientation by pick-and-place machines. The SD Series of shielded drum-core inductors from Cooper Electronic Technologies targets dc/dc converters and similar applications and features a low profile. These inductors measure 1.2 to 2.5 mm high, depending on model, and all have a 5.2-mm-sq footprint. The SD12, for example, measures 1.2 mm high and has inductance of 0.47 µH at 3.19A to 1000 µH at 0.86A. Taller models have higher current ratings for a given inductance.

For higher current applications, the EL123L and EH125C series of square inductors from Toko America are available in a 12.5-mm-sq footprint. The EL123L units is available in 1- to 9.1-µH values and maximum current of 11A at 1 µH with a 3-mm profile. The EL125C units are available in 0.6- and 1-µH values with maximum current of 23A at 0.6 µH and have a 5.8-mm profile (Picture).

Cooper Electronic Technologies, 1-561-752-5000, www.cooperet.com.

Toko America Inc, 1-847-297-0070, www.tokoam.com.