As semiconductor materials advance, GaN and SiC third-generation semiconductors are gradually coming into view, shrinking the size of chargers. Multi-port chargers can charge multiple devices simultaneously, making our lives more convenient. Low-power mobile power banks are gradually phasing out, differing little from regular power banks, but high-power power banks supporting high-power input and output are on the rise. Next, an inductor manufacturer explains the various parameters of minimalist inductors.
An inductor is a passive electronic component that can store electrical energy in the form of magnetic flux. Typically in the shape of a coil, it generates a magnetic field when current flows through it, with the field appearing on the right side of the current flow direction. So, how much do you know about the voltage stepping down or up power inductors inside multi-port chargers, mobile power banks, docking stations, car chargers, and even electric vehicles?
Inductor manufacturers indicate that in the design of switching power supplies (referring to DC-DC circuits, such as Buck topology, as there are also terminal products called switching power supplies, which refer to AC-to-DC conversion solutions, since both involve changing the switching frequency), the design and selection of inductors present many challenges for design engineers. In other words, the choice of inductors is often overlooked by most people.
In design, inductor manufacturers' engineers often pay attention to the following parameters:
Inductance value of the inductor (select an appropriate inductance value based on the switching power supply's operating frequency and input/output voltage).
2. DC Conduction Resistance (Select a low DCR to reduce the dissipation power of the inductor itself, as the current flows into one side of the inductor at the SW terminal of the switching power supply and then out from the other side of the inductor.)
3. Select an appropriate saturation current (based on the overall circuit's required output capacity) to ensure the inductor operates in a low saturation state.
4. Rise in temperature current (when DC is applied on both sides, the inherent resistance and the square of the current passing through will generate heat, causing the temperature to rise. The greater the current, the better the temperature rise.)
In addition, engineers from the inductor manufacturer will also pay attention to:
The winding structure of the sensor varies, and the direction of the magnetic lines also changes accordingly. When the magnetic lines pass through, consideration must be given to whether there are components susceptible to interference, whether the orientation of the rotating inductance needs to be taken into account, or whether measures such as adding shielding covers are necessary, to optimize the overall performance of the machine and enhance EMC.
2. When considering the mechanical dimensions of inductors, it's essential to take into account the circuit's operating temperature, whether for consumer products, industrial, or automotive applications. Different working environments across various fields can lead to increased temperatures when the sensor is powered on, which叠加 with the ambient temperature and the temperature rise of surrounding components. Should you consider selecting a higher power inductor? Under the same conditions, larger inductors generally have lower thermal resistance coefficients and a greater surface area exposed to air.
