CHIP INDUCTORS: THEORY, APPLICATIONS AND INNOVATIONS
Chip inductors are crucial components in modern electronic devices, offering efficient RF signal transmission and reception in compact packages. This guide explores their structure, functionality, and Gowanda’s innovative solutions.
What is a chip inductor?
Chip inductors are small, surface-mount components consisting of single or multi-layered thin-wire or film-wrapped coils on a core. They are designed for RF signal transmission and reception in electronic devices. Two main types include:
- Ceramic-core chip inductors: Provide high Quality factor (Q) for sharp resonance frequency
- Ferrite-core chip inductors: Ideal for broadband filtering applications
Gowanda offers chip inductors in two options: Molded and our innovative H-Core Solution.
How Chip Inductors Function
Chip inductors serve several key purposes in electronic circuits:
- Isolating and filtering AC signals
- Forming resonant circuits with capacitors and resistors
- Creating LC tuning circuits when paired with capacitors
These surface-mount components feature conductive metal pads for easy integration into circuit boards. Their compact design allows for excellent electrical characteristics in a small footprint.
Applications
Chip inductors are widely used in:
- RF circuits
- Broadband Applications
- Power surface mount devices
- Military RF surface mount equipment
- Power Lines
- RF Transceivers
- Microchips for Animals
- Mobile Phones
- Wireless LANs
Gowanda's H-Core Solution: Addressing Industry Challenges
Traditional molded inductors face several challenges:
- Internal solder connections
- Asian coil form obsolescence
- Mold compound supply/demand issues
- Limited North American raw material suppliers
- Labor-intensive manufacturing processes
- Extended lead times
Gowanda's H-Core series offers innovative solutions:
- Eliminated internal solder connections for increases reliability
- Readily available coil forms
- UV-protected windings
- Made in USA with fully automated assembly
- 2-3 times better Q and SRF performance
- Higher current ratings for lower power consumption
Learn more about Gowanda’s chip inductors by clicking on the individual series below.
Features & Benefits
Gowanda’s chip inductors stand out with:
- Readily solderable
- Co-fired terminations
- Fully encapsulated designs
- Maximum protection for solder welding and reflow
- Wide inductance range
- Suitability for broadband and RF applications
- Available in standard and non-standard inductance/tolerance values
- Available in application-specific designs
- Expertise derived from Gowanda’s legacy in Space/Aero programs
- Low to high volumes
- Military QPL-approved series; built & tested to meet M83446
- In-house environmental test lab support
- Epoxy coated series
- Meets 1% TML outgassing per ASTM E595
Conclusion
Chip inductors play a vital role in modern electronics, offering efficient RF signal handling in compact packages. Gowanda’s innovative H-Core solution addresses common industry challenges, providing superior performance and reliability. For custom chip inductor solutions or further information, contact Gowanda Electronics’ expert team.
Standard Product Series Information
Power Surface Mount
| Series | L nH | DCR Ohms | Current Rating mA DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMP0603 | 1.8 – 27 | 0.010 – 0.040 | 1750 – 3400 |
Power Surface Mount
| Series | L µH | DCR Ohms | Current Rating mA DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| CC0402 | 0.0009 – 0.220 | 0.040 – 2.0 | 37.5 – 1020 |
| CC0603 | 0.0018 – 0.330 | 0.070 – 2.2 | 179 – 1000 |
| CC0805 | 0.0022 – 2.2 | 0.080 – 5.0 | 140 – 1000 |
| CC1008 | 0.010 – 4.7 | 0.080 – 4.9 | 220 – 1000 |
| CC4H1008 | 0.0082 – 0.100 | 0.090 – 0.210 | 1100 – 1840 |
| CC4H1210 | 0.010 – 0.0082 | 0.080 – 0.150 | 1300 – 2000 |
| CC4H1812 | 0.010 – 0.100 | 0.060 – 0.135 | 1560 – 2430 |
| CF1008 | 0.082 – 100 | 0.150 – 28 | 79 – 1086 |
| CF4H1008 | 0.12 – 100 | 0.15 – 16 | 125 – 1420 |
| CF4H1210 | 0.10 – 100 | 0.070 – 9.5 | 160 – 2170 |
| CF4H1812 | 0.12 – 1000 | 0.060 – 30 | 96 – 2430 |
| SMRF1010 | 0.010 – 27 | 0.060 – 6.9 | 120 – 1270 |
| SMRF1512 | 0.010 – 1000 | 0.040 – 80 | 25 – 1000 |
| SMRF1512S | 0.010 – 10000 | 0.030 – 110 | 21 – 1000 |
Military RF Surface Mount
Custom Solutions
At Gowanda Electronics, we specialize in creating application-specific designs for unique requirements that off-the-shelf components can’t meet. Our extensive capabilities in design, development, production, and testing allow us to deliver tailored chip inductor solutions for your specific needs.