Ferrite cores: Modular stackable U-cores for flexible large designs

TDK Corporation has developed a new kind of ferrite core: EPCOS stackable U-cores feature a unique modular ferrite design that offers flexibility and economy for high-voltage transformer and HF filter applications. The new U-cores are tooled by and available exclusively from Dexter Magnetic Technologies as Dexter StackPack™ U-Cores. US-based Dexter Magnetic Technologies is a provider of optimized magnetic solutions and distributor of TDK and EPCOS products.

The new modular EPCOS stackable U-cores provide standard options that can fit any application. This is a major advantage in applications that require large ferrite cores but are limited by manufacturing constraints and high tooling costs. As a result, designers have been cutting and gluing large U and I cores together to make them bigger – an approach that is not only imprecise but also expensive. The standardized design of the StackPack U-Cores, which were developed together with Dexter Magnetic Technologies, enables multiple configurations as well as lower costs than custom tooling or machining. With short lead times, Dexter Magnetic Technologies can provide customers with standard modular cores that allow rapid prototyping.

Moreover, the modular StackPack U-Cores enable further mounting flexibility. “Customers can expand the ferrite with just three parts – a corner piece, legs, and spacers,” explains Chris Spadafora, Marketing Manager for EPCOS Ferrite Products. “Holes allow an engineer to insert a threaded rod and screw the assembly together. It’s an attractive, inexpensive solution.”

Chuck Wild, Business Manager at Dexter Magnetic Technologies, agrees: “The new StackPack U-Cores deliver the flexibility to grow designs based on a standard platform. Engineers can increase ferrite height or width – whichever way they need to go.”

Main applications

• High-voltage transformers
• HF filter applications

Main features and benefits

• Standard design offering multiple configurations and rapid prototyping
• Lower cost compared to custom tooling or machining
• Parts in stock for immediate assembly and shipment

Further information on the products can be found under www.dextermag.com or contact Chuck Wild at cwild(at)dextermag.com or +1 716-864-1993.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK's portfolio includes electronic components, modules and systems* which are marketed under the product brands TDK and EPCOS, power supplies, magnetic application products as well as energy devices, flash memory application devices, and others. TDK focuses on demanding markets in the areas of information and communication technology and consumer, automotive and industrial electronics. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2013, TDK posted total sales of USD 9.1 billion and employed about 80,000 people worldwide.

* The product portfolio includes ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, ferrites, inductors, high-frequency components such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter products and modules, piezo and protection components, and sensors.