Miniature Step-up Transformers Suit Energy Harvesting

Coilcraft's 6 x 6 mm LPR6235 Series coupled inductors can be used as step-up or flyback transformers in DC-DC converters or as autotransformers. They are ideal for voltage step-up in energy harvesting applications and have been selected by Linear Technology for their LTC3108 and LTC3109 Ultralow Voltage Step-Up Converter and Power Managers.

These compact, shielded parts measure just 6 mm square by 3.5 mm high. They feature an excellent coupling coefficient (k = 0.95) and are available with five turns ratios from 1:10 to 1:100 for a variety of voltage step-up and step-down applications. They offer 300 V winding-to-winding isolation and their combination of high Isat and low DCR provides high efficiency and excellent current handling in a rugged, low-cost design. Coilcraft also offer an even smaller LPR 4012 Series transformer that measures a mere 4 mm square by 1.1 mm high.

Both versions are RoHS compliant and offer a maximum reflow temperature of 260 °C. They feature silver-palladium-platinum-glass frit terminations. COTS Plus tin-silver-copper and tin-lead terminations are also available.