Surface mount inductor with flux gap and related fabrication methods

Abstract

An inductor, such as for electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression, comprises a plurality of ferrite layers arranged in stacked relation and joined together to define a ferrite body, and a first electrical conductor extending between a first pair of adjacent ferrite layers. The inductor includes first respective opposing portions of the first pair of adjacent ferrite layers being sintered together, and second respective opposing portions of the first pair of adjacent ferrite layers being in spaced apart relation to define at least one first gap therebetween. Moreover, the device includes a sintering blocking material associated with the at least one first gap. The sintering blocking material causes the gap to form in the ferrite body to selectively block the magnetic path to thereby retain a higher inductance than would otherwise be possible at relatively high currents. In a surface mounting embodiment of the inductor, the ferrite body has a generally rectangular shape. In addition, a pair of end conductors are provided on opposing ends of the ferrite body to facilitate surface mounting of the inductor. The sintering blocking material may comprise a non-magnetic material. In particular, the sintering blocking material may comprise titanium-dioxide.