Samsung Electro-Mechanics launches mass production of power inductors vital for electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving cars. In a move to position the inductor as their next major product after the multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC), the company aims to optimize autonomous driving technology.
Recently, the company announced the commencement of full-scale production of power inductors designed for EV cameras equipped with self-driving systems. These inductors play a vital role in providing a stable power supply to semiconductors responsible for processing autonomous driving information, effectively minimizing sudden fluctuations in current.
Leveraging its extensive expertise in MLCC-based materials, Samsung Electro-Mechanics has independently developed a magnetic material with exceptional characteristics and minimal loss. MLCC, which lies at the core of electric devices, precisely controls the current flow within electric product circuits, ensuring stability.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has achieved precise coil formation at high minute intervals by employing a photolithography technique commonly used in producing semiconductor substrates.
Unlike conventional winding types that wrap coils around a magnetic material, Samsung Electro-Mechanics' thin-film inductor features thin coils formed on a substrate, enabling the insertion of more coils. This novel design results in higher productivity and a compact form factor, with dimensions measuring 2 mm wide and 1.6 mm long.
The company offers two variations of the power inductor: one with a capacity of 1.0 uH (microhenry) and the other with a capacity of 2.2 uH. The inductor's performance is determined by the raw magnetic material and the number of coils (copper wire) that can be wound inside it. Maximizing coil placement within limited space is the key to achieving optimal performance.
An average of 100 power inductors is required for each car, more than twice the quantity needed for a smartphone. One of the notable advantages of Samsung Electro-Mechanics' inductors lies in their wide applicability. They meet AEC-Q200, a high-reliability test standard for automotive electronic parts. As a result, these power inductors can also be utilized in vehicles' advanced driver-assisted systems and infotainment systems.
The ever-growing presence of EVs and self-driving cars in the automotive market has sparked a significant expansion in related industries. The power inductor sector is expected to grow by an average of 9% per year, amounting to $3.6 billion by 2028. However, the demand for inductors used in EV equipment is projected to grow even faster at a rate of 12%.
This development underscores Samsung Electro-Mechanics' commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that advance EVs and self-driving cars to new heights.
