Reviews & Analysis

Bourns Inc.'s SRN5040TA-4R7M: A Balanced Review of the 4.7μ Drum Core, Wirewound Inductor

By Mark Harris Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Interested in understanding how the Bourns Inc. SRN5040TA-4R7M 4.7μ Inductor performs? Our comprehensive technical review offers insights into key parameters, highlights comparative analyses, and explores the suitability of this Drum Core, Wirewound component for your engineering projects.

Introduction

The Bourns Inc. SRN5040TA-4R7M is a Drum Core, Wirewound inductor designed for surface mount applications with a 4.7μH nominal inductance value and ±20% tolerance. This technical review will provide a comprehensive analysis of the inductor's performance in comparison to the statistical benchmark formed from similar components.


Based on the LCR measurements at 1V and 10V, key pros and cons of the SRN5040TA-4R7M have been identified:

  • Pros:
  • Performs similarly to the benchmark in terms of Quality Factor across most test frequencies
  • Displays consistent Series Resistance values within the same range as the benchmark
  • High-current rated inductor, providing better performance at high current levels
  • Compatible with surface mount applications and offers non-standard packaging
  • Cons:
  • Lower inductance values compared to the benchmark data at higher test frequencies
  • Higher impedance values than the benchmark for some test frequencies
  • Quality Factor is lower than benchmark data at lower test frequencies, indicating higher power losses

The following sections will dive deeper into the Inductance, Series Resistance, Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor while providing a comparative analysis for the SRN5040TA-4R7M against the statistical benchmarks. As this review specifically targets electronics engineers evaluating this inductor's performance, it will be beneficial in determining if the SRN5040TA-4R7M is suitable for your application needs.

Impedance

When comparing the SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor's LCR measurements at 1 Volt against the statistical benchmark data, it is observed that the inductor demonstrates a relatively low impedance performance at lower test frequencies. For example, at 100 kHz, its impedance was 2.709 Ohms, which is lower than the average impedance for a component at this frequency (2.987 Ohms). In contrast, at higher test frequencies, the SRN5040TA-4R7M consistently registers higher impedance values compared to the benchmark data. This is evident when the inductor is tested at 1 MHz, where it reaches an impedance value of 25.95 Ohms, significantly higher than the average impedance of 28.31 Ohms at the same frequency.

Upon further evaluation of the data at 10 Volts, the SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor displays a relatively stable increase in its impedance values compared to the average statistical benchmark data. The component seems to perform slightly better in the lower frequency range and maintains a reasonable differential across the frequency spectrum when compared to the benchmark data. Nonetheless, it's crucial to recognize that the impedance values do not deviate significantly from the benchmark data overall. Therefore, electronic engineers evaluating this component should take into account other performance metrics and design requirements to make a comprehensive assessment.

It is noteworthy that impedance plays a critical role in determining the performance of an inductor within a circuit, as it affects factors such as power dissipation, signal attenuation, and noise performance. In some applications, a higher impedance value may be desired, while in others, a lower impedance value might provide better performance. Ultimately, the SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor's suitability for a specific design will depend on the overall requirements and constraints of the target application.

Inductance

In this examination, we are evaluating the inductor's performance against the established statistical benchmark for other components with the same value. The component of interest is Bourns Inc.'s SRN5040TA-4R7M. This inductor has a nominal value of 4.7μH and a tolerance of ±20%. Comparing the part's performance at 1 Volt and 10 Volts against the benchmark data allows for a comprehensive understanding of the inductor in real-world applications.

At 1 Volt, the SRN5040TA-4R7M displayed inductance values ranging from 4.128μH at 1MHz to 10.79μH at 5Hz. Its performance was close to or exceeded the benchmark average at lower frequencies (5-50Hz). However, it fell below the average at higher frequencies (≥100Hz), indicating a reduced effectiveness in those conditions. At 10 Volts, the SRN5040TA-4R7M exhibited improved performance in the frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz, with a peak value of 79.04μH at 10Hz. While impressive, these values did not match the maximum benchmark values at all tested frequencies. Nevertheless, they exceeded both minimum and average benchmarks across the examined spectrum.

By evaluating the Bourns SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor's performance against the benchmarks for other 4.7μH inductors, we can further assess its suitability in various applications. This comparison showcases the part's capability to work effectively within a wide range of different frequency ranges and voltage conditions. Moreover, it highlights the importance of understanding an inductor's behavior under different electrical conditions, allowing engineers to make informed decisions when selecting components for their designs.

Series Resistance

When analyzing series resistance at 1 Volt, our comparison with the statistical benchmark data shows that this inductor has a lower resistance than the benchmark's average resistance across various frequencies, with the exception of a few higher frequencies where it slightly exceeds the benchmark average. For example, at the frequency of 5kHz, the SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor has a series resistance of 37.19mΩ, which is significantly lower than the benchmark average of 260.9mΩ. However, at 250kHz, its series resistance of 206.7mΩ is marginally higher than the benchmark average of 201.6mΩ.

As we increase the voltage to 10 Volts, similar trends can be observed. For instance, at 50kHz, the component's series resistance of 47.28mΩ is again lower than the benchmark average of 289.9mΩ, suggesting better performance at lower frequencies. However, the value converges with the benchmark average at higher frequencies, such as at 300kHz, where the SRN5040TA-4R7M inductor's series resistance increases to 303.5mΩ compared to the benchmark average of 511.3mΩ.

Understanding the behavior of series resistance in inductors at different voltage levels and frequencies is essential to ensure optimal performance in electronic circuits. Lower series resistance typically results in improved efficiency and power consumption, especially significant in power-sensitive applications. Still, it is necessary to consider the whole frequency range that the component will operate in and the specific application needs when evaluating the suitability of the inductor.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

In this section, we evaluate the Bourns Inc.'s SRN5040TA-4R7M Inductor in terms of its Dissipation Factor (Df) and Quality Factor (Q) by examining data obtained from LCR Measurements. This analysis allows us to assess the inductor's performance against statistical benchmarks and understand its behavior under different testing conditions.

The Quality Factor of the SRN5040TA-4R7M Inductor shows significant improvement when moving from lower test frequency ranges (5 to 1k Hz) towards higher frequency values. At 1 kHz, the Q value starts at a low of 0.73 and eventually reaches a peak of 35.59 at 100 kHz. It is important to note that a higher Q value indicates a better inductor performance with reduced energy losses.

Comparing the Q values of this inductor to statistical benchmarks, its performance appears to be modest. At 5 kHz, the Q value is recorded at 3.66, increasing to 7.31 at 10 kHz. The inductor demonstrates favorable performance at higher test frequencies, with Q values achieving 13.9 at 20 kHz and reaching a peak of 27.81 at 50 kHz.

However, when subjected to a higher voltage of 10 volts, the SRN5040TA-4R7M experiences a decrease in its Q values within the 50 kHz to 1 MHz test frequency range. From 29.56 at 50 kHz, it only manages to attain a maximum of 34.42 at 100 kHz. This observation suggests that the inductor's performance exhibits sensitivity to voltage variation at these frequency levels.

Shifting focus to the Dissipation Factor, the available data indicates that lower Df values can be observed as test frequencies increase, which is corroborated by the corresponding increase in Quality Factor. A lower Dissipation Factor highlights the superior energy efficiency of the component due to minimized energy loss during operation.

In conclusion, understanding the Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor of the SRN5040TA-4R7M Inductor provides insights into its overall performance and energy efficiency under various test conditions. Keeping these factors in mind will aid in the informed selection and application of inductors in electronic circuits.

Comparative Analysis

In this comparative analysis, we will examine the performance of the Bourns Inc. SRN5040TA-4R7M Inductor and contrast it with the statistical benchmarks of components with the same value. The SRN5040TA-4R7M is a 4.7μH nominal value inductor with a ±20% tolerance, a current rating of 3.2A, and a drum core, wirewound composition. It is designed for surface mount applications and features a non-standard package.

On a general note, the SRN5040TA-4R7M exhibits higher impedance values relative to the statistical benchmarks, and the Quality Factor is comparably higher over the entire frequency range tested. The highest difference in the Quality Factor at 1 Volts is observed at 550 kHz test frequency, where the component reaches 30.09 compared to the benchmark's average of only 40.39. The performance of the SRN5040TA-4R7M remains consistent and competitive at 10 Volts, with the Quality Factor notably following a similar pattern as observed at 1 Volts.

Focusing on the Series Resistance aspect at 1 Volts, the SRN5040TA-4R7M demonstrates a higher minimum value (36.39m Ohms) compared to the benchmark's average minimum value (15.43m Ohms) at 100 kHz test frequency. This trend, however, narrows down as the test frequency increases. At 1 MHz test frequency, the component's Series Resistance is 800.4m Ohms, only marginally higher than the benchmark's average of 800m Ohms. These differences slightly decrease at 10 Volts, indicating the SRN5040TA-4R7M's stable performance across different voltage levels.

As for the Series Inductance, the SRN5040TA-4R7M demonstrates mixed performance approaching the statistical benchmarks. At lower test frequencies (5kHz and 10 kHz), this inductor falls short, with lower values compared to the benchmark's averages. However, at higher test frequencies, this disparity becomes less pronounced. Notably, at 1 MHz test frequency, the Series Inductance of the component is 4.128μ, which is remarkably close to the benchmark's average value of 4.128μ. This indicates a well-balanced performance within the higher frequency ranges.

In summary, the SRN5040TA-4R7M Inductor by Bourns Inc. offers a mixed performance concerning its comparability to the statistical benchmarks. While it surpasses the Quality Factor benchmarks consistently, it falls short in the impedance and Series Inductance aspects at lower test frequencies. For engineers considering the SRN5040TA-4R7M, it is essential to weigh these factors, taking into account the applications and specific frequency ranges where this inductor's capabilities may exhibit optimal performance.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bourns Inc. SRN5040TA-4R7M 4.7µH Drum Core Wirewound Inductor demonstrates a performance that is both commendable yet with specific areas that may require improvement when compared against the provided statistical benchmark data. This Inductor shows consistency in performance across multiple test voltages, which can be an essential feature for engineers looking to maintain steady behavior across a range of operating conditions.

At 10 volts, the SRN5040TA-4R7M exhibits a generally higher impedance, Quality Factor, and Series Inductance as the testing frequency increases, when compared to the achieved values at 1 volt. This improved performance when operating at higher voltages could be advantageous to those engineers working with high-power applications. Some of the notable observations of the SRN5040TA-4R7M within the samples data provided are the increased impedance and Quality Factor compared to the statistical benchmark data across most frequencies, particularly within the higher frequency range (75 kHz to 1 MHz). This higher performance may be of interest in specific use cases.

However, the SRN5040TA-4R7M's performance does not consistently exceed the benchmark data throughout all categories. For instance, Series Resistance is mostly on par or below average in the 5 kHz to 1 MHz frequency range. This aspect may not be entirely suitable for applications requiring low Series Resistance characteristics.

To conclude, engineers should carefully consider the specific advantages and drawbacks of the SRN5040TA-4R7M depending on their circuit requirements and evaluate whether this Inductor fits their desired criteria. With many observed facets surpassing the benchmark data, the potential for this component to find a fitting use case is indeed high, provided careful evaluation is given to the observed limitations within specific performance categories.

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