Introduction

In this technical review, we will be examining the performance of the Murata Electronics' LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor, a drum core wirewound component with a nominal value of 4.7μH and a tolerance of ±20%. The inductor will be assessed against a statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value. Our findings will provide electronics engineers with valuable insights into the applicability of this inductor for use in their circuits.

• Pros:
• Wide frequency range tested
• Quality factor and series resistance measurements available
• Consistent inductance values at a variety of test voltages
• Manufactured by a reputable company
• Cons:
• Quality factor and series resistance values may vary at higher frequencies
• Inductor performance may be limited by the ±20% tolerance
• Surface mount package may not be suitable for all applications
• Comparatively lower current rating of 1.6 A

The LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor will be compared against benchmark data on parameters such as inductance, series resistance, dissipation factor, and quality factor. By examining and comparing the component data against the benchmark data, electronics engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding of this inductor's performance and make an informed decision on its suitability for their circuits.

Impedance

In this section, we will thoroughly analyze the impedance of the Murata Electronics LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor and compare it to the provided statistical benchmark. By doing so, we reveal how well this inductor performs in comparison to industry standards. It is essential to understand how the impedance of an inductor is a critical factor in various applications, influencing energy storage capacity, signal filtering, and inductive reactance.

At the lower end of the test frequency spectrum (5 Hz and 10 Hz), the LQH43PN4R7M26L shows an impedance of 74.8mΩ and 74.88mΩ at 1 Volt, respectively. These values represent a significant improvement over the statistical benchmark averages of 197mΩ and 256.3mΩ for the same frequencies. This enhancement implies that the LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor is highly suitable for applications operating in low-frequency ranges.

However, as the test frequency increases to 20 kHz (1 Volt), the component's impedance reaches 604.1mΩ. While this value is still notably lower than the benchmark's average impedance of 733.5mΩ, the difference between the component and the benchmark begins to narrow. Despite this smaller discrepancy, the LQH43PN4R7M26L maintains its favorable performance compared to the benchmark.

Upon examining the higher frequency ranges (50 kHz - 1 MHz), the component consistently outperforms the statistical benchmark averages. At 50 kHz, the LQH43PN4R7M26L impedance measures 1.498Ω, a favorable comparison to the benchmark's average of 1.562Ω. The inductor's superiority over the benchmark becomes more apparent as the test frequency increases further. The component's impedance of 29.29Ω at 1 MHz significantly surpasses the benchmark's average of 32.63Ω.

It is noteworthy that the component maintains better impedance performance while tested at 10 Volts across various test frequencies. This superior performance implies a reliable and efficient inductor option for applications that demand a broader voltage range. Overall, the Murata Electronics LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor exhibits a commendable impedance profile, making it a strong contender for various applications where impedance performance is a vital consideration.

Inductance

The inductance performance of the 4.7μH Murata LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor with a tolerance of 20% was evaluated by comparing it against a statistical benchmark of similar components. Tests were conducted at both 1 Volt and 10 Volts across various frequency ranges to gain insights into its performance under different operating conditions.

When tested at 1 Volt, the LQH43PN4R7M26L demonstrated performance reasonably close to the benchmark average across most of the frequencies evaluated. However, at lower frequencies, such as 5Hz, a deviation from the benchmark average was observed. For instance, the inductance measured at 5Hz was 7.139μH while the benchmark value was 15.29μH. At 10Hz, the deviation was relatively smaller, with a measured inductance of 5.383μH compared to the benchmark's 11.59μH. Generally, the inductance values tended to stabilize with increasing frequency, eventually paralleling the benchmark performance. The overall inductance profile at 1 Volt falls within an acceptable range for various circuit applications, offering versatility in its usage.

When tested at 10 Volts, some discrepancies were observed. Notably, there was a significant increase in inductance at the 5Hz and 10Hz frequencies, measuring 82.51μH and 86.83μH, respectively. These values deviated substantially from the benchmark data. However, the inductance gradually settled down and aligned more closely with the benchmark values as the frequency increased. This behavior suggests that when selecting this component for use in specific circuits, engineers should account for the higher inductance levels at lower frequencies. Understanding and considering these variances are essential for optimal circuit performance and overall system reliability.

Series Resistance

When analyzing the series resistance of the LQH43PN4R7M26L, it is essential to consider the inductance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) measurements at various frequencies and voltages. At low frequencies (5 Hz to 1 kHz), the component exhibits a noticeably lower series resistance than the average of the statistical benchmark data. For example, at 10 Hz, the LQH43PN4R7M26L measures a series resistance of 74.88m Ohms, while the benchmark average is 260.5m Ohms. This favorable performance continues as the frequency increases. At 100 kHz, the component's series resistance measures 94.16m Ohms, significantly lower than the benchmark average of 349.4m Ohms. Even at 1 MHz, the measured series resistance is 753.3m Ohms, less than one-third of the benchmark average of 1.041 Ohms.

The LQH43PN4R7M26L also demonstrates excellent performance at higher voltages, such as 10 Volts. At this voltage, the component measures a series resistance of 87.46m Ohms at 10 Hz, which is approximately 2.9 times lower than the benchmark average of 260.5m Ohms. As the frequency increases, the component continues to show commendable performance. For instance, at 100 kHz, the measured series resistance is 112.2m Ohms, about 3.1 times lower than the benchmark average of 349.4m Ohms. At 1 MHz, the LQH43PN4R7M26L displays a series resistance of 1.219 Ohms, which is only around 16% higher than the benchmark average of 1.041 Ohms.

It is crucial to understand that series resistance is an important aspect of an inductor's performance. Lower series resistance translates to better efficiency, resulting in reduced energy loss through heat dissipation. In applications such as power supplies and filters, where energy efficiency is a major concern, low series resistance is a desirable attribute. The impressive series resistance performance of the LQH43PN4R7M26L, compared to the statistical benchmark data, showcases its potential effectiveness in such applications.

Considering the consistent performance across various test frequencies and voltages, the LQH43PN4R7M26L may prove to be a valuable option for engineers aiming for superior series resistance performance in their products. This, in turn, has the potential to enhance the overall efficiency, reliability, and performance of the electronic devices and systems in which the LQH43PN4R7M26L may be utilized.

Dissipation Factor and Quality Factor

The Dissipation Factor (DF) of an inductor is the ratio of the energy loss (dissipation) to the total energy stored in the magnetic field. On the other hand, the Quality Factor (Q) is inversely proportional to the DF, representing the efficiency of the component in resonant circuits. In other words, a higher value of Q indicates lower energy loss and elevated circuit performance, while a lower Q indicates higher losses.

For the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor, the Quality Factor varies depending on the test voltage and frequency applied. At a test voltage of 1 Volt, the Q ranges from 0.02 at the 50 Hz, the lowest frequency point, to a maximum of 45.62 at 300 kHz, the highest frequency point. On the other hand, at an increased test voltage of 10 Volts, the Q values range from 0.03 at 5 Hz to a maximum of 33.21 at 250 kHz. These observed values suggest that the Quality Factor decreases as the test voltage increases, which translates to a higher energy loss at elevated voltage levels.

Upon comparing the Q values to the benchmark Quality Factor values for similar wirewound drum core inductors, it can be concluded that the LQH43PN4R7M26L's Q values fall well within the expected range for the low to mid-range frequencies. This implies that the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor demonstrates acceptable Quality Factors appropriate for typical circuit applications, taking into account the mentioned reduction with increasing voltage levels.

When engineering a design that incorporates the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor, it is essential to evaluate its Quality Factor performance against the available benchmark data for comparable components of identical value. Ensuring that the circuit requirements are compatible with the observed Q range of this specific inductor is crucial to determine its reliability and suitability in fulfilling the design constraints and achieving desired performance.

Comparative Analysis

Upon reviewing the LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor by Murata Electronics, it is clear that this wirewound, drum core inductor demands a comprehensive analysis of its performance in comparison to the statistical benchmark formed from other components of the same value. Murata's LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor's nominal value is 4.7μ, with a tolerance of ±20%, current rating of 1.6A, and surface mount package of 1812 (4532 Metric).

When examining the component data for LQH43PN4R7M26L at 1V, we observe that at lower frequencies (e.g., 5kHz), the inductor performs comparably with the benchmark value in terms of series inductance and series resistance, but it surpasses it in terms of quality factor. However, upon reaching higher frequencies, such as 100kHz, its impedance and quality factor tend to be significantly lower than the average benchmark value, indicating that the component may struggle with higher frequencies.

Furthermore, when comparing LQH43PN4R7M26L LCR measurements at 1V and 10V, we notice that the inductor's impedance, series resistance, and quality factor exhibit only minor discrepancies across varying voltage levels, implying a fairly stable performance within a practical working range (notwithstanding the fact that the absolute values may be slightly lower than the average benchmark).

In conclusion, the Murata LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor offers a stable performance at various voltage levels, albeit with impedance and quality factors that might be lower than the benchmark under certain circumstances, especially at higher frequencies. Engineers aiming to utilize this inductor may need to weigh the trade-offs and consider whether such performance variances are acceptable for their specific applications. However, the wirewound, drum core design of the Murata LQH43PN4R7M26L inductor still shows promise for use in a wide variety of applications due to its stability across different voltage ranges.

Conclusion

In the review of the Murata Electronics LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor, the performance analysis exhibits both strengths and weaknesses when compared to the statistical benchmark data. This objective and broad examination serves to provide an insightful perspective on the component's suitability for incorporation in various circuits.

From the provided information and comparative data, the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor stands out as having the advantage of higher Quality Factor values at higher frequencies. This high Q-factor translates to lower dissipation losses, which contributes to better circuit efficiency. Yet when considering its impedance, it falls short of the statistical benchmark at lower frequencies. Furthermore, the higher Test Frequencies indicate the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor showcases a prominent increase in Series Resistance over its counterparts, leading to potentially higher resistive losses in some applications.

It is worth noting that the LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor displays variation in Inductance across the frequency spectrum. Although this behavior may affect specific applications, it could also prove beneficial, depending on the engineer's requirements.

Overall, the observed performance characteristics of Murata Electronics LQH43PN4R7M26L Inductor render it suitable for applications that prioritize high Quality Factor values above other critical parameters, such as impedance or DC resistance. Engineers should, however, consider the trade-offs and assess the nature of the specific application for which they plan to employ the Inductor.