Miniaturized thin-film common-mode filter for high-speed interfaces

• World’s highest common-mode attenuation in a 0403 package of 27.5 dB at 850 MHz
• Footprint nearly 60 percent smaller than existing products with same common-mode attenuation

TDK Corporation has expanded its lineup of common-mode filters. The new TCM0403R thin-film common-mode filter offers a common-mode attenuation of 27.5 dB at 850 MHz in an IEC 0403 package (0.45 mm x 0.30 mm), the world’s highest value for this case size. The footprint of the TCM0403R is nearly 60 percent smaller than the existing TCM0605R with same common-mode attenuation. In addition, the new filter features an extremely low insertion height of only 0.23 mm. With a cutoff frequency of 5.0 GHz and good common-mode attenuation characteristics in 500 MHz to 2.4 GHz range, the new filter suppresses common-mode noise without distorting high-speed differential signals. It is thus compatible with various high-speed interfaces such as MIPI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. The typical DC resistance is only 3.5 Ω. As a result, the new TCM0403R thin-film common-mode filter significantly improves the WLAN reception sensitivity in smartphones, conventional mobile phones and other compact portable devices. Mass production began in May 2015.

The miniaturization was realized using TDK’s leading-edge thin-film patterning technology developed for the manufacture of HDD magnetic heads combined with compact, high-precision coil pattern and terminal formation processes. Thanks to its much smaller footprint, the new filter supports the high-density mounting of electronic components and contributes to significant space-savings in electronic devices.

Glossary

• MIPI: the Mobile Industry Processor Interface is an open standard supported by the MIPI Alliance, which consists of nearly 200 members companies in the mobile device industry.

Main applications

• Smartphones, conventional mobile phones, and other mobile devices
• Electronic devices with high-speed interfaces such as MIPI, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0

Main features and benefits

• High 5.0 GHz cutoff frequency for compatibility with high-speed interfaces
• World’s highest common-mode attenuation in a 0403 package of 27.5 dB at 850 MHz
• Good common-mode attenuation characteristics in 500 MHz to 2.4 GHz range for improved mobile signal reception sensitivity
• Significant size reduction, combined with typical DC resistance of 3.5 Ω

Key data