Design for Excellence: INDUCTOR FORM, FIT, FUNCTION EQUIVALENCE and New Design Rules

摘要

Given that inductor physical dimensions change with inductance values, component placement densities continue to increase, and inductor packages are not industry standard-controlled, it is important to confirm inductor package electrical and physical equivalence when multiple part numbers are used within a PCBA design. A two-phased approach was used in the study to first drive inductor equivalence early on in the design process (bill of material selection), and then once deemed equivalent, ensure an inductor body keep-out area is as open as possible. It is important to understand what vias and nets are needed for inductor operation, versus other external circuits that could be moved.