• The smallest size in the industry* for inductors used in power circuits.
• Achieving high power efficiency with low-loss Metal magnetic materials.
• High precision internal electrode formation using thin-film methods.

December 12, 2024.

TDK Corporation (President: Noboru Saito) announced the development of the small thin-film inductor for wearables, "PLE856C series" (L0.8mm×W0.45mm×H0.65mm), and the start of mass production in December 2024.

Recently, the number of components in wearable devices such as wireless earphones and smartwatches has increased due to multifunctionality and high performance, while the implementation space for components is limited, necessitating the miniaturization of Electronic Components. These devices use lithium-ion Batteries to form the power circuits. In the inductors used in those power circuits, we have achieved the industry's smallest size with the "PLE856C series," contributing to space-saving and Lightweight device design. Compared to the conventional product "PLEA67B series" (L1.0mm×W0.6mm×H0.8mm), we have miniaturized by 40% in terms of mounting area ratio and 50% in volume ratio.

Despite its small size, this product realizes high-precision formation of the conductor pattern serving as internal electrodes through TDK's unique thin film technology. Additionally, the use of low-loss metal magnetic materials helps reduce power consumption and contributes to the high efficiency of power circuits.

In the future, we will continue to promote the development of high-performance inductors through further miniaturization and optimized design utilizing the characteristics of thin film technology for wearable devices, and we will respond to market needs by expanding our rich lineup.

*As of December 2024, based on TDK research.

Main Applications

• Wireless earbuds (TWS), smartwatches, AR/VR, compact power modules, compact communication modules

Main Features and Benefits

• Achieves the industry's smallest size for inductors used in power circuits, contributing to space saving.
• Realizes high power efficiency with low-loss metal magnetic materials.
• High-precision internal electrode formation using thin film technology.

Main characteristics.

Production and Sales Plan

• Sample Price: 20 yen per unit (excluding tax)
• Production Base: Japan
• Planned Production: 10 million units per month (initially)
• Production Start: December 2024

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation (Headquarters: Tokyo) aims to be a leading company in electronic device solutions for the smart society. With unique magnetic material technology ingrained in its DNA, it attracts the future with cutting-edge technological innovation, contributing to social transformation.
Our company was founded in 1935 with the purpose of commercializing the electronic material "ferrite" that is widely used in various electronic equipment. Our main products include various passive components such as multilayer ceramic capacitors, aluminum electrolytic capacitors, film capacitors, inductors, ferrite cores, high-frequency components, piezo and protection components, as well as sensors and sensor systems such as temperature, pressure, magnetism, and MEMS sensors. We also have products such as magnetic heads, power supplies, and secondary batteries. Our product brands include TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics, and TDK-Lambda.
With a network of design, manufacturing, and sales in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, the company operates in a wide range of fields including Automobiles, Industrial Electronic Equipment, Consumer Products, and Information Communications Equipment. Sales for the fiscal year ending March 2024 are approximately 2 trillion 103 billion yen, with a total workforce of around 101,000 people worldwide.

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