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Pulse Introduces Dual-phase Coupled Inductor for Notebook Computers

^{Published on 2008-11-25 06:29:24 - Market Wire}
 

SAN DIEGO--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Pulse, a Technitrol (NYSE:TNL) Company, a worldwide leader in electronic component and subassembly design and manufacturing, introducesthe PA2143NL surface mount coupled power bead inductor. This dual-phase coupled inductor is designed to support Volterra's VT1300 multi-phase voltage regulator which implements Volterra's patented inductor topology. The dual-staple inductor design lowers direct current resistance (DCR), and the low-loss ferrite core reduces inductor switching losses. The result is a highly efficient voltage regulation system with a smaller footprint and a low system cost. This coupled inductor is designed for use in notebook computers where battery life, performance, and efficiency are major concerns.

The Pulse PA2143NL RoHS-compliant inductor has two phases magnetically coupled into a single part. Each phase has an equivalent transient inductance (Lk) of 50 nanoHenries (nH) and a magnetizing inductance (Lm) of 160 nH minimum. Each phase is rated for 30 amps (A) and has a DCR of 0.28 milliohms maximum. These parts can accommodate a 5A current imbalance between phases, ensuring they will operate well in less-than-ideal conditions. The low profile 4.0mm and small footprint 11.8mm x 11.4mm make it ideal for notebook CPU applications.

In a non-coupled dual-phase DC/DC converter, each phase has an independent inductor. To improve transient response, inductance must be reduced; however, this reduction causes an increase in current ripple per phase which results in a decrease in efficiency. Taking advantage of the dual-phase coupled inductor topology, two inductors are integrated on the same magnetic core and the interaction of the magnetic fields from each phase enables a 50% reduction in the equivalent inductance without increasing the current ripple per phase. The reduction in ripple current increases efficiency and prolongs battery life for notebook computing. The performance improvement of the PA2143NL is accompanied by a reduction in total inductor footprint of more than 40% and a cost reduction of more than 25% when compared with a two inductor solution.

"This Pulse inductor replaces the two separate inductors used in most notebook Vcore applications with just one part," said John Gallagher, Pulse field application engineer. "It takes up less board space than two non-coupled inductors, is more cost effective, and the topology allows use of a lower equivalent inductance which improves the transient response without adversely affecting efficiency."

The PA2143NL inductor is available packaged in tape-and-reel and in trays with prices of $0.28 in quantities of 100,000. Volume discounts are available. Individual part pricing may vary due to order configuration and shipping destination. Lead time is six weeks with samples available for approved Volterra customers using the Volterra chipset. Detailed specifications are available on datasheet [ P657 ] and on the Pulse website at: [ http://www.pulseeng.com/index.php?657 ].

PA2143_hires.jpg photo available at [ http://www.pulseeng.com/index.php?620 ]

About Volterra

Volterra Semiconductor Corporation, headquartered in Fremont, California, designs, develops, and markets leading edge silicon solutions for low-voltage power delivery. The company's product portfolio includes advanced switching regulators for the computer, datacom, storage, and consumer markets. Volterra operates as a fabless semiconductor company utilizing world-class foundries for silicon supply. The company is focused on creating products with high intellectual property content that match specific customer needs. For more information please visit the [ Volterra ] website.

About Pulse

Pulse, a Technitrol (NYSE:TNL) Company, is a worldwide leader in electronic component and subassembly design and manufacturing. Pulse's wide array of power and signal products are used in computer networking as well as in communications, power conversion, defense, aerospace, automotive, acoustics, medical devices, and consumer electronics. With state-of-the-art custom designs and catalog products, Pulse is a complete source for electronic OEMs, contract manufacturers, and ODMs. Pulse is a participating member of IEEE, ATIS, ETSI, HDMI, the DSL Forum, CommNexus, and MoCA.

Copyright ©2008 Pulse Engineering, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and trademarks are properties of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note:This message contains 'forward looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. This release should be read in conjunction with the factors set forth in Technitrol's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2008 in Item 1a under the caption"Factors that May Affect Our Future Results (Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995)."