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Discrete components like capacitors and inductors still play a major role in any design. But for portable and mobile designs, the pressure is on for smaller and smaller devices that deliver performance and save power. Murata’s space-saving BLM15SAX_SN advanced ferrite beads lower dc resistance up to 60% compared to previous models and provide real power savings (see the figure).

As part of Murata’s electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter line, the BLM15SAX_SN offers a dc resistance of as low as 0.02 Ω, and its maximum rated current has increased from 1 to 1.74 A. This low resistance really helps reduce power consumption in battery-powered applications.

Murata’s BLM15SAX_SN chip ferrite beads for EMI suppression in mobile devices help with space and power savings. A new design and improved ferrite composition provide their very low dc resistance.

“Power reduction is now just as critical as space reduction when it comes to designing components for handheld devices,” said Deryl Kimbro, group product manager for Murata Electronics North America. Murata significantly reduced the dc resistance thanks to a unique arrangement of how the ferrite layers are structured and terminated, as well as to an improved ferrite materials composition.

The BLM15SAX_SN beads are available in a wide range of impedance values from 10 to 1000 Ω. They come in a compact 0402 package measuring 1.0 by 0.5 by 0.5 mm and cost $0.016, with lead times of approximately six to eight weeks.

Murata also has a new electrostatic discharge (ESD) production series for mobile devices. ESD protection devices are needed in all electronic equipment to protect sensitive IC and other components from static discharge. As more features are added to mobile devices, the need to prevent damage from ESD has become even more of a challenge.

The LXES series features low capacitance that minimizes signal loss on high-speed data and transmission lines. It also offers high suppression levels, meaning less than 100-V output when input voltage is as high as 15 kV. High-repetition durability is another benefit, as these devices can handle 1000 cycles at 8-kV contact voltage. Pricing is $0.20 to $0.60 each with a lead time of six to 10 weeks.

Additionally, Murata has a new line of low-power inductors with a height as low as 0.55 mm that is worth looking into if you need one for a dc-dc converter application.