TDK-EPC, a group company of the TDK Corporation, announces the development of the MLG0402Q series of TDK multilayer ceramic coils in 0402 with a Q factor of 15.8 at 1 GHz and 10 nH. This is the world’s best* and 40 percent higher than existing products.
Mass production is scheduled to start in April 2010.
The new coils are chip components with a compact 0402 size (0.4 × 0.2 × 0.2 mm³). Their market-leading Q factor was achieved by employing a new technology that increases the precision of position control when forming the layers, thus allowing an optimization of the coil design. The high Q factor means that efficiency is high with low loss, particularly when the coil is used in high-frequency circuits. The lineup of the E12 series comprises 15 components with low resistance ranging from a maximum of 0.4 to 2.6 Ω, a rated current of 100 to 250 mA, and an inductance ranging from 1 to 15 nH. In addition, TDK-EPC plans to introduce an E24 series with 12 further inductance values in May 2010.
These components have an operating temperature range of -40 to +85 °C and are designed for use in the high-frequency circuits of mobile communications devices such as mobile phones. They are also suitable for use in other high-frequency wireless signal circuits such as those found in Bluetooth devices.
*As of March 2010, according to TDK investigations.
Glossary
Q factor: A dimensionless parameter that indicates inductor performance. It is the ratio of reactance to resistance at a defined frequency and is expressed as Q. The higher the Q factor, the higher the performance of the inductor.
E series: Short for exponent. E12 refers to a series divided by a geometric progression from 1 to 12 (the 12th root of 10).
Main applications
Main features and benefits
Key data
| Parameter | MLG0402Q series |
| Inductance | 1 to 15 nH |
| Operating temperature range | -40 to +85 °C |
| DC resistance (max.) | 0.4 to 2.6 Ω |
| Rated current | 100 to 250 mA |
| Dimensions | 0.4 x 0.2 x 0.2 mm³ |
