• Optimized construction leads to extraordinary power density in surprisingly small modules
• The new FS1606 in the series is the smallest solution in 6A, with full telemetry via an I2C interface, in a 3.3 mm x 3.3 mm x 1.35 mm size, with a wide operating range of -40 °C to 125 °C
• Easy access to full telemetry (voltage, current & temperature)
• Easily adopted in designs anchored by ASICs, SoCs, and FPGAs
• Showing FS1606 at APEC Conference – Advanced Power Management, Use case for Predictive Maintenance, Session#:  IS06.3. Atlanta, Georgia on March 18th 

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces the new FS160* series of its microPOL (μPOL) power modules. The FS160* series of μPOL DC-DC converters all offer full telemetry, provide increased performance, and are remarkable for extraordinary power density in the smallest sizes now in mass production.

All FS160* microPOL modules measure a mere 3.3 mm wide by 3.3 mm deep by 1.35 mm high. Because of their size and extraordinary power density, every module in this series can be easily integrated into designs anchored by ASICs, SoCs, and all the most popular FPGAs. Full telemetry (voltage, current & temperature) is accessible via an I2C interface. The modules operate across a broad junction temperature range, from -40 °C to 125 °C. 

There are several versions each of the 3 A parts (the FS1603 series), 4 A parts (the FS1604 series), and 6 A parts (the FS1606 series). The FS line also includes models at 12A (the FS1412) and 25A-200A (the FS1525). The selection of DC-DC converter modules that range from 3 A to 200 A covers a broad range of needs and applications, including big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G cells, the Internet of Things (IoT), and enterprise computing. 

The configuration of the module is itself innovative; the FS160* series modules integrate a high-performance controller, drivers, MOSFETs and logic core in carefully engineered packages, using TDK’s version of semiconductor embedded in substrate (SESUB). SESUB eliminates wire bonds & enhances thermal performance. 

TDK also integrates the module’s IC inductor and passives into a chip-embedded package to minimize parasitic inductance. This lowers interconnect and enhances the module’s efficiency. Minimizing resistance and inductance leads to fast response and accurate regulation with dynamic load currents. Boot and Vcc capacitors are also incorporated into the module. 

These and other design optimizations make it possible for the FS160* series converters to deliver an extraordinary 1 watt per cubic millimeter, in modules that are roughly half the size of other products in the same class. The FS160* series modules are so effective that they require no airflow whatsoever for up to 15W to 30 W in up to 100 °C ambient temperature. The end result of using TDK modules is a small solution size that requires less PCB board space and fewer board layers as well as fewer external components, resulting in lower system cost.

The modular approach makes designing with the FS160* a for either analog or digital design configuration for 0.6V to 5.0V outputs. TDK has created multiple design tools for designers to use, including tools specific to FPGAs from each of the major FPGA suppliers.

Evaluation boards are available, one each for modules at 3A, 4A, and 6A, (respectively the FS1603 series, FS1604 series, and FS1606 series). Additional design tools for FS160* series includes spice simulator designs on QSPICE^TM. Fast starter designs for schematic and PCB layout are now available with our partners at Ultra Librarian for free, https://www.ultralibrarian.com/partners/tdk

• Compatible with high currents of up to 1650 mA
• Ensures high impedance across a broad frequency range
• Suitable for high temperature environments; supports a wide operation range of -55 °C and +155 °C

TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announces the expansion of the ADL4532VK series (4.5 x 3.2 x 3.2 mm; L x W x T) of wire winding inductors for automotive power-over-coax (PoC). Mass production of these new components began in February 2025.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to enhance vehicle safety by using automotive cameras and sensors that monitor the driving environment. These systems rely on multiple cameras, typically installed at the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, to capture real-time imagery for safe and secure driving. In standard configurations, automotive cameras require two separate lines for power and signal transmission: a power line connected to the vehicle’s battery and a signal line connected to the electronic control unit (ECU). However, with PoC technology, a single coaxial cable can simultaneously carry both power and data, simplifying and reducing cabling. This can reduce the vehicle’s weight, which in turn can improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

The PoC system requires a filter incorporating multiple inductors to effectively separate power from the data signal before processing. TDK’s new ADL4532VK series delivers high impedance across a broad frequency range from tens of megahertz (MHZ) to hundreds of megahertz by using proprietary materials and structural design innovations. This reduces the number of inductors used, saving space. It is compatible with high currents of up to 1650 mA and meets the needs for high functionality, including not only the latest automotive cameras but also the infrared cameras and display. Additionally, the inductor ensures high reliability with an upper operation temperature limit of +155 °C thanks to product design assuming use in high-temperature environments.

Looking ahead, TDK is committed to developing inductors for automotive PoC applications by pursuing optimized design by refining multilayer, wire-winding, and thin-film technologies to address market needs. TDK will expand its lineup of products to improve the quality of PoC transmission signals.

• Industry's smallest inductor for power circuits*
• Low-loss magnetic material for highly efficient power supply circuits
• High-precision internal electrode formation using thin-film technology

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces the introduction of its new PLE856C Series (0.80 x 0.45 x 0.65 mm; L x W x T) of compact thin-film power inductors for wearable devices. Mass production of these new components began this month, in December 2024.

Increasing functionality and performance of wearable devices, such as wireless earbuds and smartwatches, has led to a higher number of components per system. However, the space in these devices remains limited, driving the demand for smaller electronic components. The PLE856C Series, featuring inductances from 470 nH to 1.5 µH, is the industry's smallest inductor used for power supply circuits in such devices, contributing to space-saving designs and lighter devices. In comparison to the conventional PLEA67B Series (1.0 x 0.6 x 0.8 mm; L x W x T), the new PLE856C Series boasts a 40% smaller mounted area and a 50% decrease in volume. The saturation currents are specified between 0.40 A and 0.72 A (typ.).

Despite their compact size, these products feature precisely formed coil conductor patterns acting as internal electrodes, achieved using TDK's proprietary thin-film technology. Moreover, the use of low-loss magnetic material helps reduce power losses and increase the efficiency of power supply circuits.

Moving forward, TDK will promote the development of high-performance inductors that are even smaller and better designed for wearable devices, capitalizing on the advantages of the thin-film technology and aiming to expand its power inductors in response to market needs.

*As of December 2024, according to TDK

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) introduces tube magazines for several ring core chokes series as an alternative packaging to the blister tray in a cardboard box. Tube magazines provide a reliable, efficient, and automated way to handle and supply components in a production line, which is crucial for maintaining high throughput and quality in manufacturing processes. The table below shows which component series these are, and which are already available or coming soon.

Components within a tube magazine are typically aligned in a consistent orientation. This makes it easier for the automated pick-and-place machinery to identify and handle each component correctly, reducing the likelihood of errors during placement. Tube magazines can be easily integrated with automated feeders which can push components out of the tube one at a time, ensuring a steady supply of parts to the pick-and-place machine without manual intervention. Keeping components in a tube magazine protects them from physical damage that could occur during manual handling. Many automated pick-and-place machines are designed to work seamlessly with tube magazines, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. The standardized design of tube magazines allows for quick setup and changeover between different production runs.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) successfully developed a material for CeraCharge, a next-generation solid-state battery with an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, approximately 100 times greater than the energy density of TDK’s conventional solid-state battery.

TDK’s technology is aimed at a solution that can be utilized in various wearable devices, such as wireless earphones, hearing aids and even smartwatches, with the goal of replacing existing coin cell batteries.

Utilizing TDK’s proprietary material technology, TDK has managed to develop a material for the new solid-state battery with a significantly higher energy density than TDK’s conventional mass-produced solid-state batteries (Type: CeraCharge) due to the use of oxide-based solid electrolyte and lithium alloy anodes. The use of oxide-based solid electrolyte makes batteries extremely safe. It is intended for use in wearable and other devices that come in direct contact with the human body.
The battery can be applied for replacing coin cell primary batteries in compliance with EU battery regulations, which require them to be replaced by rechargeable batteries, which is expected to contribute to the reduction of environmental impact.

TDK will strive to develop the battery cells and package structure design and advance toward mass production, targeting the development of its new product, the solid-state battery. Moreover, TDK aims to enhance the capacity of the batteries through multi-layer lamination technology and expand its operating temperature range by applying the production engineering technology TDK has accumulated in the electronic components business.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) announces the new EPCOS B43659 series of snap-in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. This is the next generation of ultra-compact general-purpose components for voltages of 450 V (DC) featuring an extremely high CV product. It provides the same features and serves the same applications as the previous series; however, the B43659 is much more compact. In case sizes of only 22 mm x 25 mm to 35 mm x 50 mm (D x H), these components achieve capacitances ranging from 140 µF to 1030 µF. In addition to the standard versions with 2 terminals, versions with 3 terminals are also available to ensure correct installation.

Essential performance features include a high ripple current capability of up to 7.01 A (120 Hz, +60 °C) and a service life of at least 2000 h at a maximum operating temperature of +105 °C. Accurate lifetime calculation under application-specific conditions is quick and easy with the web-based AlCap Tool (www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com/en/alcap_tool).

Due to their high reliability and compact size, these RoHS-compliant aluminum electrolytic capacitors can be used in a wide range of applications, such as switched-mode power supplies, frequency converters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), medical equipment, and solar inverters.

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) presents two new varistor series in SMD design. The types of both series are available for a wide range of operating voltages from 175 V_RMS to 460 V_RMS, corresponding to 225 V_DC to 615 V_DC. While the B72210M* series of surge devices, which are equivalent to S14 leaded disk varistors, offers a surge current capability of 6000 A, the B72214M* series types, which are equivalent to S20 leaded disk varistors, have a high surge current capability of 10,000 A. All types are designed for a high operating temperature of a maximum of +125 °C and extremely damp heat environment (85% relative humidity at +85 °C).

The new SMD high surge series is qualified to AEC-Q200. In terms of designs, all types are available in a horizontal as well as vertical version, which offers higher design flexibility. The horizontal version of the B72210M* series has dimensions of 22 x 15 x 11 mm, while the B72214M* series has dimensions of 27 x 18 x 11 mm, (L x W x H). The vertical types have dimensions of 15 x 10 x 20 mm and 18 x 10 x 25.5 mm, respectively. This results in space saving compared to leaded varistors with the same performance.

Typical applications of SMD surge protection components are on-board chargers, power supplies, frequency converters, photovoltaic systems and household appliances.