What are integrated inductors and the difference between coupled and non-coupled options?

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Power delivery requirements in computing applications are increasing and growing more complex, necessitating a shift to multi-phase converter architectures. These architectures divide the total power across multiple buck converters operating in parallel, with each converter switching out of phase from the others. This reduces the power per stage and results in improved efficiency, better transient response, lower component and board temperatures, and more design flexibility. However, each power stage requires its own FETs and inductor, and the inductors must be physically spaced apart on the PCB. This can make meeting board space and power density requirements difficult. Eaton’s integrated inductors combine multiple inductors in a single package, allowing designers to eliminate this spacing requirement. Available in coupled and non-coupled variants, these integrated inductors enable higher power density, higher efficiency, and a reduced BOM count. Non-coupled inductors simply provide physical integration of multiple inductors. This integration not only eliminates the spacing between the inductors, but also allows sharing of the center post for additional space saving. These inductors are electrically independent and allow power designs to use a single phase if needed, such as in light load conditions. Coupled inductors are electrically integrated, providing DC flux cancellation between the inductors, reducing ripple current and improving transient response. Coupled inductors achieve an even higher current rating in the same package size, enabling additional space saving and higher power density. Eaton’s integrated inductors combine multiple inductors in a single package, allowing designers to eliminate this spacing requirement. Available in coupled and non-coupled variants, these integrated inductors enable higher power density, higher efficiency, and a reduced BOM count.