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High-power shielded inductors are vital to filtering and stabilizing current flow in industrial power systems, ensuring the delivery of clean and stable power to sensitive electronic components. This is particularly important in environments where electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt operations and affect the performance of critical systems.

In industrial settings, high-power shielded inductors help improve the quality of power delivered to various devices. This week’s New Tech Tuesdays looks at the importance of high-power shielded inductors and a recent Bel inductor series qualified for automotive applications.

Shielded Inductor Benefits

High-power shielded inductors play a pivotal role in applications such as industrial power systems and electric vehicles. These components are essential for reducing EMI, storing energy, and filtering signals, ensuring efficient and reliable operation in various applications.

EMI Reduction

Shielded inductors are designed to contain the magnetic field generated by the inductor, significantly reducing EMI. This is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and preventing disruptions in circuit operation. By minimizing electromagnetic radiation, shielded inductors help ensure that sensitive electronic components function correctly without interference.

Energy Storage

Inductors store energy in a magnetic field when current flows through them. This stored energy can be released when the current changes or is interrupted, helping to maintain a stable and continuous flow of power. This capability is vital for applications requiring consistent power delivery, such as battery charging systems and DC-DC converters.

Filtering

Inductors are used in combination with capacitors to create filters that can block or pass specific frequency ranges. This enhances the power quality delivered to sensitive electronic components, and with clean and stable power, these devices have optimized performance.

Significance in Industrial Power Systems

High-power shielded inductors support stable current flow and enhance efficiency in high-power applications that are cornerstones of industrial automation. Their design minimizes electromagnetic radiation, leading to improved performance and reliability in industrial power systems.

These inductors are built to withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures and high levels of shock and vibration. Their rugged construction ensures long-term reliability and performance in industrial settings. This durability is essential for applications that operate under challenging conditions, such as electric vehicles and industrial automation systems.

In power supplies, these inductors provide voltage conversion and store energy in magnetic fields, helping deliver efficient energy to automated systems. Inductors also play a significant role in motor control applications by regulating current flow and reducing current spikes, enabling the smooth and precise operation of motors that is essential for accurate functioning of automated machinery. 

These applications highlight the versatility and importance of high-power shielded inductors in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of industrial automation systems across different industries.

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs^®

This week’s New Tech Tuesdays focuses on the Bel F1F1 shielded SMT inductors. Bel F1F1 shielded SMT inductors (Figure 1) are high-power inductors designed to meet the rigorous standards of the AEC-Q200 Grade 1 automotive quality certification. These inductors feature a metal dust core that provides high performance and low loss, with DC resistance ranging from 4.2mΩ to 200mΩ. They offer an inductance range from 0.47μH to 33μH with 20 percent tolerance and can operate in temperatures from -55°C to 155°C. The inductors are ideal for automotive, industrial, and high-power electronic systems that demand robust and efficient inductive components.

Figure 1: Bel F1F1 Shielded SMT Inductors (Source: Mouser Electronics)

These devices are built with copper wire and a base material plated with copper, nickel, and tin, ensuring durability and reliability. They comply with Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (MSL-1) and are RoHS-compliant and halogen-free, keeping them in line with environmental initiatives. With dimensions of 7.1mm × 6.6mm × 2.8mm for the F1F1-0603 model and 7.1mm × 6.6mm × 3.8mm for the F1F1-0604 model, these inductors are compact yet powerful. Their high current range (3.6A to 24A) and automotive reliability make them ideal for those looking to enhance the performance of their electronic systems.

Tuesday’s Takeaway

High-power shielded inductors are indispensable components in industrial power systems, offering benefits such as EMI reduction, energy storage, and signal filtering. Their enhanced performance, durability, and long-term reliability make them crucial for applications ranging from industrial automation to electric vehicles. As technology continues to advance, the role of high-power shielded inductors in ensuring efficient and sustainable power systems will only grow in importance.