Compact high-current chokes for 48-V automotive power systems

TDK Corporation presents the new BCEM series of EPCOS high-current chokes designed specifically for buck-boost converters in 48-V automotive power systems. These innovative SMD inductors have very compact dimensions of only 27.5 mm x 29.5 mm x 14.5 mm thanks to their ERU27 ferrite cores with flat windings. The new chokes feature inductance values of 3 µH to 11 µH and are designed for saturation currents of up to 50 A and operating temperatures of between -40 °C and +150 °C. The components are suited for switching frequencies from 100 kHz to 200 kHz, are RoHS-compatible and are qualified to AEC-Q200.

The new components are used as storage chokes in buck-boost converters of vehicles linking the 12-V and 48-V levels. Six or eight-phase interleaved converters are used in order to keep the ripple currents as low as possible and transfer high power levels. Since each of the converters needs a storage choke, the compact dimensions of the new high-current chokes along with their current capability are especially beneficial.

Main applications

• Buck-boost converters for 48-V automotive power systems

Main features and benefits

• High saturation currents of up to 50 A
• Compact dimensions of 27.5 mm x 29.5 mm x14.5 mm
• RoHS-compatible
• Qualified to AEC-Q200