Common-mode chokes for automotive Ethernet applications

A new series of common-mode chokes from TDK that offers best-in-class noise suppression for automotive Ethernet is now available from TTI Europe. The ACT45L series also boasts the smallest footprint of any common-mode choke currently available for automotive Ethernet applications, yet incorporates advanced technologies to deliver high reliability and consistent quality. Ethernet is quickly becoming the preferred networking protocol for today's multimedia infotainment in cars, but reliable high speed data transmission requires high noise suppression and low attenuation of data signals. Common-mode chokes protect vehicle ECUs from incoming EMI and suppress noise emissions radiated over the unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling. The noise suppression of the TDK ACT45L Series is the best available on the market - between 15dB and 25dB better than existing products, over a broad frequency range up to 100MHz. Its footprint is a mere 4.5mm x 3.2mm and insertion height just 2.8mm, the smallest common-mode choke for automotive Ethernet available in the world. The Series offers a rated inductance of 200µH and, importantly for all automotive components, operates over a wide temperature range of minus 40C to +105C. The ACT45L Series is designed to be manufactured using fully- automated processes: two auto windings and terminal electrodes are applied to the rectangular DR core., then a ferrite plate (SP core) is bonded to it with a highly temperature- and moisture-resistant adhesive to close the magnetic circuit. These fully-automated processes result in components with high reliability and consistent quality. Parts are fully-qualified to AEC-Q200. Suitable automotive Ethernet applications for TDK ACT45L Series common-mode chokes include cameras, video, audio and navigation systems, says the company.