AID AI Datasheet
Würth Elektronik 74479320165110 · Rev 001.000
Würth Elektronik eiSos WE-PMFI

Power Molded Flatwire Inductor

Order Code: 74479320165110 · Size/Type: 201610 SMD

High-current, low-profile power inductor for DC-DC converters and power management applications. Flatwire winding technology delivers ultra-low DCR with AEC-Q200 automotive qualification.

L = 0.1 µH ±30% IRP = 10.2 A max AEC-Q200 RDC = 7.2 mΩ typ fres = 325 MHz −55 to +150°C 48 V DC max RoHS · REACh · HF
Key Specs — +20°C, 33% rH
Inductance0.1 µH
Tolerance±30%
Test Conditions1 MHz / 5 mA
IRP,40K (max)10.2 A
ISAT,10% typ7.75 A
ISAT,30% typ13.7 A
RDC typ / max7.2 / 9 mΩ
fres325 MHz
VOP DC max48 V
AI Datasheet™ (Patent Pending) — Demo Use Only. All product data, specifications, and trademarks are the property of Würth Elektronik eiSos GmbH & Co. KG. This AI Datasheet™ is produced by Analog Intelligent Design Inc. (AID) for demonstration purposes only. AID makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any purpose of the information presented herein. Always verify against the official manufacturer datasheet before design use.
Inductance
0.1
µH @ 1 MHz / 5 mA
±30% tolerance
Performance Rated Current
10.2
A max · ΔT = 40 K
IEC 62024-2-2024 Class C
DC Resistance
7.2
mΩ typ @ 20°C (9 mΩ max)
Flatwire technology
Self Resonant Freq.
325
MHz typ
VOP = 48 V DC max
01 Interactive Operating Point Query
Parametric Performance Estimator
Adjust DC current and ambient temperature — estimates computed from digitized manufacturer characteristic curves
5.0 A
0 AISAT,10%=7.75 A15 A
25 °C
−55°C25°C110°C
12 V
1 V24 V48 V (max)
Est. Inductance
nH
Temp Rise ΔT
K
Component Temp
°C
Current Headroom
% to IRP
02 Characteristic Curves — Manufacturer Data
Typical Inductance vs DC Current — ML Model (PCHIP, Golden-Anchor Calibrated)
Golden anchors: ISAT,10% = 7.75 A → 90 nH ✓  |  ISAT,30% = 13.7 A → 70 nH ✓  |  Nominal = 100 nH ✓  ·  Test conditions: +20°C, 33% rH
▶ Show manufacturer source image (Würth Elektronik datasheet)
Inductance vs Current
Typical Temperature Rise vs DC Current — Physics Model (Power Law, Golden-Anchor Calibrated)
Model: dT = 0.16060 × I2.3759  |  Golden anchor: IRP,40K = 10.2 A → ΔT = 40 K ✓  |  Visual check: I=15 A → ~100 K ✓  ·  PCB Cu: 40 mm wide, 105 µm thick · Tamb = +25°C
▶ Show manufacturer source image (Würth Elektronik datasheet)
Temp Rise vs Current
Typical Impedance vs Frequency — Physics Model (Parallel LC, Log-Log)
Model: Z = 2πfL / |1-(f/fres)²| capped at Zpeak=250 Ω  |  fres = 325 MHz ✓  |  Cstray = 2.398 pF (derived from fres & L)  ·  Both axes logarithmic
▶ Show manufacturer source image (Würth Elektronik datasheet)
Impedance vs Frequency
03 Thermal Derating Model
⚡ Impedance Query — Z(f, IDC, Tamb) Physics-based 3-parameter ML model
Range: 0.01 – 3000 MHz
Range: 0 – 15 A
Range: −40 – 125°C
Max Allowable Current vs Ambient Temperature
Based on: Tcomp = Tamb + ΔT · Max Tcomp = 150°C · ΔTrated = 40 K @ IRP = 10.2 A
Thermal Operating Summary
ParameterValue
Operational ambient temp−55°C to +110°C
Max component temp+150°C
Storage temp−55°C to +150°C
Storage (original pkg)+5°C to +40°C, <75% rH
ΔT at IRP = 10.2 A40 K max
Test standardIEC 62024-2-2024 Class C
PCB test conditionsCu 40 mm wide, 105 µm
MSL1 — unlimited floor life
04 Electrical Specifications
ParameterSymbolTest ConditionsTypMaxUnitTol.
InductanceL1 MHz / 5 mA, +20°C, 33% rH0.1µH±30%
Performance Rated Current (ΔT=40K)IRP,40KIEC 62024-2-2024, Class C10.2Amax
Saturation Current (10% drop)ISAT,10%|ΔL/L| < 10%7.75Atyp
Saturation Current (30% drop)ISAT,30%|ΔL/L| < 30%13.7Atyp
DC Resistance (typ)RDC@ 20°C7.2typ
DC Resistance (max)RDC@ 20°C9max
Self Resonant Frequencyfres325MHztyp
Operating Voltage (DC max)VOPDC48Vmax
05 Package, Dimensions & Land Pattern
Mechanical Dimensions (from Würth Elektronik datasheet)
201610 dimensions drawing
Package 201610 · Scale 15:1 · All dimensions in mm
Recommended Land Pattern (from Würth Elektronik datasheet)
201610 recommended land pattern
Based on IPC-7351 Standard · Land Pattern 2 compatible with WE-PMCI series
Dimensional Summary
DimensionNominal (mm)Tolerance
Length2.0±0.2
Width1.6±0.2
Height (max)1.0max
Terminal width0.5±0.2
Terminal length1.0±0.3
LP pad width1.0ref
LP pad length1.5ref
06 Reflow Soldering Profile
Classification Reflow Profile (IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020E)
Classification Reflow Profile for SMT components
Reflow Profile Parameters
ParameterValue
Preheat Ts min150°C
Preheat Ts max200°C
Preheat time ts60–120 s
Ramp-up rate (TL→TP)3°C/s max
Liquidous TL217°C
Time above TL60–150 s
Peak body temp TP≤ 260°C
Time within 5°C of TP20–30 s
Ramp-down rate (TP→TL)6°C/s max
Total time 25°C to peak8 min max
07 Certifications & Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
RoHS✓ [2011/65/EU&2015/863]
REACh✓ [(EC)1907/2006]
Halogen Free✓ JEDEC JS709B
Halogen Free✓ IEC 61249-2-21
Automotive Qualification
Qualification✓ AEC-Q200
Temp Grade−55 to +150°C
MSL1 (unlimited floor life)
General ToleranceDIN ISO 2768-1m
CAD & Design Resources
3D Model3D_WE-PMFI_201610
KiCadKiCad_WE-PMFI (25a)
AltiumAltium_WE-PMFI (25b)
PSpice / SpectrePSpice_WE-PMFI (25a)
REDEXPERTwe-online.com
08 Design Verification Checklist
Peak Current vs ISAT,10% Peak inductor current (IDC + ½·ΔIL) must stay ≤ 7.75 A to keep inductance within 10% of nominal.
I_peak ≤ 7.75 A
RMS Current vs IRP,40K RMS current must be ≤ 10.2 A to keep temperature rise ≤ 40 K above ambient.
I_RMS ≤ 10.2 A
Component Temperature Budget Tcomp = Tamb + ΔT must not exceed 150°C operating maximum.
T_amb + ΔT ≤ 150°C
DC Bus Voltage DC bus voltage must not exceed 48 V maximum operating voltage.
V_DC ≤ 48 V
Switching Frequency vs fres Keep fSW well below self-resonant frequency of 325 MHz. Guideline: fSW < fres/10.
f_SW < 32 MHz (guideline)
PCB Copper for Thermal Rating IRP,40K = 10.2 A is rated for Cu 40 mm wide, 105 µm thick. Narrower copper increases ΔT.
Cu width ≥ 40 mm, 105 µm
Reflow Profile Peak TP ≤ 260°C, ramp-up ≤ 3°C/s, ramp-down ≤ 6°C/s per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020E.
T_P ≤ 260°C
Storage Duration Use within 12 months of shipment date. Store at +5°C to +40°C, <75% rH.
Use within 12 months

Click each item to mark as verified. Resets on page reload.

WE-PMFI · 74479320165110 · 201610 SMD
Power Molded Flatwire Inductor — User Guide
A practical engineering reference for selecting, sizing, and verifying the WE-PMFI in DC-DC converter and power management designs. Produced by Analog Intelligent Design Inc.
L = 0.1 µH ±30% I_RP = 10.2 A max AEC-Q200 Automotive 201610 · 2.0×1.6×1.0 mm 48 V DC max
AWhat Is an AID AI Datasheet™?

A traditional datasheet from Würth Elektronik — or any manufacturer — is a static PDF. It shows you a fixed set of curves at specific test conditions, a spec table with typ/min/max values, and some application notes. If your operating conditions differ from what's shown, you either interpolate manually or contact the manufacturer's applications team.

The AID AI Datasheet™ replaces that static experience with an interactive, queryable document. Instead of fixed charts, you get real-time parametric estimators, instant pass/fail feedback against spec limits, and an integrated design checklist — all in a single HTML file that works offline in any browser, with no installation required.

This format is patent-pending technology developed by Analog Intelligent Design Inc. (AID). It is produced for demonstration purposes. All product data, specifications, and trademarks remain the property of Würth Elektronik eiSos GmbH & Co. KG.

Traditional PDF Datasheet
✗ Static — fixed test conditions only
✗ Cannot query your actual operating point
✗ No multi-parameter Z(f, I, T) query
✗ No pass/fail against your design margins
✗ Manual interpolation required
✗ Requires internet to access manufacturer site
✗ No integrated design checklist
AID AI Datasheet™
✓ Interactive — query any operating point
✓ Real-time parametric estimator with sliders
✓ Instant pass/fail status badges
✓ Z(f, IDC, Tamb) 3-parameter impedance query
✓ Manufacturer curves embedded as images
✓ Fully offline — single HTML file, no internet
✓ Integrated 8-point design checklist
BHow to Navigate This AI Datasheet

The AI Datasheet is organized into two top-level tabs accessible from the navigation bar directly below the header. Here is what each tab contains and how to use it.

📋 Datasheet Tab
The main technical reference. Contains all manufacturer specification data, interactive tools, and charts.

Best for: Engineering verification, operating point checks, spec table lookup, reflow profile reference.
📖 User Guide Tab
This page. Explains the AI Datasheet format, walks through each Datasheet section, and provides application engineering guidance for the WE-PMFI.

Best for: First-time users, application questions, design selection guidance.
Datasheet Tab — Section Map
SectionTitleWhat you can doInteractive?
01 Operating Point Query Set DC current, ambient temperature, and bus voltage with sliders. Get real-time inductance estimate, ΔT, component temperature, and current headroom — all with pass/fail status badges. ✓ Yes
02 Characteristic Curves & Z(f, IDC, Tamb) Query View the three manufacturer-extracted charts: Inductance vs Current, Temperature Rise vs Current, Impedance vs Frequency. Switch between them using the tab buttons. Below the Z chart: the 3-parameter impedance query panel — enter frequency, DC current, and ambient temperature to get Z with full physics breakdown (Leff, fSRF,eff, Tjunction, RDC(Tj)). ✓ Tabs + Query
03 Thermal Derating Interactive Chart.js chart showing max allowable current vs ambient temperature. Reference table of thermal parameters. ✓ Chart
04 Electrical Specifications Complete static spec table: all parameters, test conditions, typ/max values, units, and tolerances from the manufacturer datasheet. — Static
05 Package & Land Pattern Dimensional drawings and both recommended land patterns, extracted directly from the manufacturer PDF. Dimensional summary table. — Static
06 Reflow Soldering Profile Interactive Chart.js reflow profile curve. Full parameter table with all IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020E values. ✓ Chart
07 Certifications & Compliance RoHS, REACh, Halogen Free, AEC-Q200 status. CAD library formats available from Würth Elektronik (REDEXPERT, KiCad, Altium, PSpice, Spectre, Eagle, Cadence, 3D, IGS, STP). — Static
08 Design Verification Checklist 8 clickable verification items covering peak current, RMS current, thermal budget, voltage, switching frequency, PCB copper, reflow, and storage. Click each to mark as verified. ✓ Checklist
CHow the Interactive Estimator Works
DThe Z(f, IDC, Tamb) 3-Parameter Impedance Query

The most powerful feature in this AI Datasheet is the Z(f, IDC, Tamb) query panel, located in Section 02 of the Datasheet tab, below the Impedance vs Frequency chart. It answers the question that every power electronics engineer faces but that no traditional datasheet can answer: "What is the impedance of this inductor at my actual operating frequency, under my actual DC bias current, at my actual ambient temperature?"

1
Why three parameters matter simultaneously
A traditional datasheet shows Z(f) at IDC = 0 A and T = 25°C. In a real circuit, three things change at once:
  • DC bias current compresses the magnetic core, reducing effective inductance Leff. This shifts both the impedance magnitude and the self-resonant frequency (SRF).
  • Switching or signal frequency determines where on the Z curve the inductor operates — inductive, near-resonant, or capacitive regime.
  • Ambient temperature, combined with self-heating from DC current, raises junction temperature and increases RDC — affecting impedance at low frequencies and conduction losses.
These three effects interact. You cannot look them up separately and add them — the result of one affects the computation of another.
2
How to use the query panel
Navigate to the Datasheet tab → Section 02 → scroll below the Impedance vs Frequency chart. You will see the ⚡ Impedance Query panel with three input fields:
FieldWhat to enterRange
Frequency (MHz)Your switching frequency, filter frequency, or signal frequency0.01 – 3000 MHz
DC Current (A)Average DC bias current through the inductor (≈ average output current in a DC-DC converter)0 – 15 A
Ambient Temp (°C)The temperature of the environment around the component (not the junction temperature)−40 – 125°C
Click Compute Z. The result appears immediately with the impedance value and a full physics breakdown.
3
Reading the result breakdown
Below the main Z value, the panel shows a breakdown of the intermediate computed quantities:
QuantityMeaningEngineering use
LeffEffective inductance at your DC bias, from the L vs I modelUse for filter corner frequency calculation: fc = 1/(2π√(Leff·C))
kLRatio Leff / L₀ — how much inductance has been reduced by DC biaskL < 0.90 means >10% inductance loss; verify filter design still meets spec
fSRF,effEffective self-resonant frequency at your DC bias (shifts up as L decreases)Your operating frequency should be well below fSRF,eff for inductive behavior
TjunctionEstimated junction temperature = Tamb + ΔT(IDC)Must remain below 150°C (Tcomp,max)
RDC(Tj)DC resistance at junction temperature, accounting for copper TCRUse for conduction loss: Ploss = I²DC × RDC(Tj)
4
Model basis and limitations
The Z(f, IDC, Tamb) model is built from physics, not from direct 3-parameter measurement data (the datasheet does not provide Z vs. temperature or Z vs. DC bias sweeps). The physical basis is:
  • DC bias → L scaling: Leff(IDC) from the PCHIP model, validated at 9 datasheet anchor points.
  • SRF warping: fSRF,eff = fSRF,nom × √(L₀/Leff), physically correct for fixed parasitic capacitance.
  • Temperature correction: RDC(Tj) = 29.4 mΩ × (1 + 0.00393 × (Tj − 25)). Significant only below ~47 kHz.
Important: The baseline Z(f) at IDC = 0 A, T = 25°C is anchored to all 14 datasheet anchor points at 0.00% error. The DC bias and temperature extensions are physically extrapolated — the datasheet does not provide characterization data for these dimensions. Use results as engineering estimates; verify critical designs with bench measurements using an impedance analyzer and bias tee.
5
Worked example: DC-DC converter inductor check
A buck converter operates at fsw = 2 MHz, Iout = 8 A DC, Tamb = 85°C. The engineer wants to know the actual impedance of the WE-PMFI 74479320165110 under these conditions.

Enter: Frequency = 2, DC Current = 8, Ambient Temp = 85. Click Compute Z.

Result: Z ≈ 1.07 Ω  ·  Leff = 89.0 nH  ·  kL = 0.890  ·  fSRF,eff = 349.8 MHz  ·  Tj = 107.5°C  ·  RDC = 34.0 mΩ

Interpretation:
  • Inductance is 89 nH vs. 100 nH nominal — 11% reduction. Recalculate filter corner frequency with Leff.
  • SRF at 350 MHz is well above 2 MHz — inductor behavior is correctly inductive at the switching frequency ✓.
  • Junction temperature 107.5°C — below the 150°C maximum ✓, but leaves only 42.5°C margin. Verify PCB copper area provides adequate heat spreading.
  • Conduction loss: P = 8² × 0.034 = 2.18 W — budget this in your thermal analysis.

Section 01 of the Datasheet tab contains the Operating Point Query — the core interactive feature of this AI Datasheet. It is important to understand what it computes and how to interpret the results correctly.

1
What the estimator computes
The estimator is powered by five AID ML models built from the manufacturer's characteristic curves and physics-based equations, all golden-anchor calibrated against the published specification table values:
  • L vs I model — PCHIP interpolation through 9 spec-anchored knots. Anchors: ISAT,10%=7.75A→90nH ✓, ISAT,30%=13.7A→70nH ✓.
  • Z vs f model — Hybrid piecewise: exact slope=1.0 line in log-log (0.01–10 MHz) + PCHIP above 10 MHz. All 14 datasheet anchors at 0.00% error ✓.
  • dT vs I model — Physics power-law: dT = 0.16060 × I2.3759. Calibrated at IRP,40K=10.2A→40K ✓.
  • Derating model — Formula: Imax = 10.2 × √((150 − Tamb) / 40). Derived from IRP=10.2A, ΔT=40K, Tcomp,max=150°C ✓.
  • Z(f, IDC, Tamb) model — 3-parameter physics model. DC bias scales L via the L vs I model; SRF shifts as fSRF ∝ 1/√L; RDC temperature correction applied below ~47 kHz. Pre-computed on a 43 × 16 × 8 grid (5,504 points). Trilinear interpolation at runtime. All 14 baseline Z anchors at 0.00% error at I=0, T=25°C ✓.
None of these are SPICE simulations. They are data-driven ML models built from the manufacturer's published curves, validated against the datasheet spec table golden anchors.
Important: All results are model-based estimates. The L vs I and dT vs I models are derived from typical curves measured at +20°C, 33% rH. Actual performance varies with PCB copper geometry, ambient conditions, and individual component tolerance (±30% on inductance). Always verify against the manufacturer datasheet and board measurements before final design signoff.
2
The three input sliders
DC Current (0–15 A): The DC bias current through the inductor (≈ average inductor current in a DC-DC converter). This drives both the inductance estimate and the temperature rise estimate.

Ambient Temperature (−55 to +110°C): The temperature of the air or environment surrounding the component. Used to compute component temperature: Tcomp = Tamb + ΔT.

DC Bus Voltage (1–48 V): The DC supply voltage applied across the inductor. Currently used for the voltage headroom check only (must remain ≤ 48 V). Does not affect the inductance or thermal estimates, which are voltage-independent for this component type.
3
The four result tiles and status badges
Each result tile shows a computed value and a color-coded status badge:
TileWhat it showsPass thresholdWarningFail
Est. InductanceInductance in nH at your DC current, interpolated from the L vs I curve≥ 90 nH (<10% drop)<90 nHSaturation
Temp Rise ΔTTemperature rise above ambient in K, from the ΔT vs I curve≤ 40 K40–70 K> 70 K
Component TempTamb + ΔT in °C — the actual temperature the component reaches≤ 125°C125–150°C> 150°C
Current Headroom% margin remaining to IRP,40K = 10.2 A≥ 20%5–20%< 5%
4
Offline operation — no internet required
This AI Datasheet is a fully self-contained HTML file. All logos, images, charts, and interactive JavaScript (including Chart.js) are embedded directly in the file. You can save it to your desktop and open it in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge with no internet connection. Nothing is sent to any server — all calculations run locally in your browser.
Tip: To save a permanent copy, use File → Save As in your browser, or download the file directly from the AID demo site at aianalog.co.
01What This Component Is

The Würth Elektronik WE-PMFI 74479320165110 is a Power Molded Flatwire Inductor in a 201610 SMD package (2.0 × 1.6 × 1.0 mm). It is designed for high-current DC-DC converters, point-of-load regulators, and automotive power management circuits where board space, low DCR, and thermal reliability are critical.

The flatwire winding technology uses a flat rectangular copper conductor instead of round magnet wire, giving a higher copper fill factor in the same footprint — translating directly into lower DCR (7.2 mΩ typ) and lower I²R heating at high currents.

The component is AEC-Q200 qualified for harsh-environment automotive applications up to 150°C component temperature.

Technology note: "Molded" means the core and winding are encapsulated in a compression-molded composite core. This eliminates exposed coil turns, reduces EMI radiation, and provides mechanical robustness for automotive vibration environments.
02Key Specifications at a Glance
Inductance
0.1 µH
±30% · 1 MHz / 5 mA
Performance Rated Current
10.2 A
Max RMS · ΔT ≤ 40 K · IEC 62024-2
DC Resistance
7.2 mΩ
Typ @ 20°C · 9 mΩ max
ISAT,10%
7.75 A
Peak current for <10% L drop
ISAT,30%
13.7 A
Peak current for <30% L drop
Self Resonant Freq.
325 MHz
Inductive below · capacitive above
Hard LimitValueConsequence if exceeded
VOP DC max48 VInsulation breakdown risk
Tcomp max150°CCore demagnetization, winding damage
Tamb max (operating)+110°CExceeds rated thermal budget
Tamb min−55°CCore brittleness, bond failure
Peak reflow TP260°CCore and winding degradation
03How to Select This Inductor for a DC-DC Design

Follow these steps to verify the WE-PMFI 74479320165110 fits your buck or boost converter design.

1
Calculate required inductance
For a synchronous buck converter, target 20–40% ripple ratio (ΔIL/Iout):
L = (V_in − V_out) × V_out / (V_in × f_SW × ΔI_L)
Example: Vin=12 V, Vout=3.3 V, Iout=5 A, fSW=1 MHz, 30% ripple → ΔIL=1.5 A → L = (8.7×3.3)/(12×1M×1.5) = 159 nH. The 0.1 µH nominal (−30% = 70 nH) may be marginal — verify ripple at minimum L.
2
Check peak current vs ISAT,10%
Peak inductor current must stay below 7.75 A to keep inductance within 10% of nominal:
I_peak = I_DC + ΔI_L / 2 ≤ 7.75 A
Warning: The ±30% tolerance means at −30% (0.07 µH), ripple current is 43% higher than designed. Always verify Ipeak at the minimum inductance extreme.
3
Check RMS current vs IRP,40K
RMS current (≈ IDC for <30% ripple) must stay ≤ 10.2 A derated for your ambient:
I_RMS ≈ I_DC × √(1 + (ΔI_L/I_DC)²/12) ≤ I_RP_derated(T_amb)
4
Verify DC bus voltage and switching frequency
DC bus ≤ 48 V. Switching frequency (and its harmonics) must stay well below fres = 325 MHz. Guideline: fSW < 32 MHz (fres/10).
04Current Ratings Explained — IRP vs ISAT

Power inductor datasheets always give two current ratings measuring completely different failure modes — both must be satisfied simultaneously.

RatingSymbolValueWhat it measuresFailure mode
Performance RatedIRP,40K10.2 A maxRMS current causing ΔT = 40 K above ambient (thermal rating)Thermal runaway: RDC rises → more heating → failure
Saturation 10%ISAT,10%7.75 A typDC peak current at which L drops 10% from nominalMagnetic: higher ripple → regulator instability
Saturation 30%ISAT,30%13.7 A typDC peak current at which L drops 30% from nominalMagnetic: severe saturation → converter fails regulation
Design rule: Peak current ≤ ISAT,10%. RMS current ≤ IRP,40K derated for Tamb. Check both — the binding constraint changes with ripple ratio.
Important: ISAT values are typical, not minimum. Inductance typically decreases further at elevated temperature. Always design with margin.
05Thermal Derating — Adjusting IRP for Your Ambient

IRP,40K = 10.2 A is rated at Tamb = 25°C with PCB Cu 40 mm wide, 105 µm thick. Derate for higher ambient temperatures to keep Tcomp ≤ 150°C.

T_comp = T_amb + ΔT ≤ 150°C
I_max(T_amb) = 10.2 × √((150 − T_amb) / 40)
TambMax IRMSReduction vs ratedStatus
25°C10.2 AFull rating✓ OK
50°C9.0 A−12%✓ OK
70°C8.0 A−22%⚠ Derate
85°C7.2 A−29%⚠ Derate
100°C6.1 A−40%✗ Significant
110°C5.3 A−48%✗ Significant
PCB copper matters: Narrower or thinner copper increases ΔT for the same current. If your PCB copper is narrower than 40 mm or thinner than 105 µm, derate further or measure ΔT on your actual board.
Interactive tool: Use the Operating Point Query in the Datasheet tab to estimate ΔT and Tcomp for any current and ambient combination.
06Understanding the Inductance vs Current Curve

The inductance vs DC bias current curve shows how effective inductance changes as the core approaches saturation. This is the most important curve for converter design.

0 – 6 A: Flat region (linear operation)
Inductance stays near 100 nH. Converter operates with predictable, stable ripple current. This is the normal operating region.
!
6 – 7.75 A: Soft saturation onset
Inductance begins to drop. At 7.75 A it reaches 90 nH (ISAT,10%). Ripple current increases. Acceptable briefly for transient load steps — not for steady-state operation.
Above 7.75 A: Deep saturation
Inductance falls steeply. At 13.7 A (ISAT,30%) it reaches 70 nH — 30% below nominal. Ripple current is 43% higher than designed. Avoid in steady-state operation.
Continuous operation in deep saturation increases thermal stress and degrades converter performance. If your peak current exceeds 7.75 A, select a higher-current variant in the WE-PMFI series.
Temperature effect: Composite core inductors typically show slightly lower inductance at elevated temperature, shifting the saturation curve left. Always verify peak current margin with thermal derating applied.
07How to Use the Datasheet Tab
1
Operating Point Query — Section 01
Set the three sliders (DC current, ambient temperature, DC bus voltage) to your operating conditions. Four result tiles update in real time: estimated inductance (nH), temperature rise (K), component temperature (°C), and current headroom to IRP.
Status badges: Green ✓ = within spec · Orange ⚠ = marginal, check carefully · Red ✗ = exceeds rating, redesign required.
2
Characteristic Curves — Section 02
Three tabs show manufacturer-extracted curves: Inductance vs Current, Temp Rise vs Current, and Impedance vs Frequency. These are directly from the Würth Elektronik datasheet.
3
Thermal Derating Chart — Section 03
Find your Tamb on the x-axis and read maximum IRMS on the y-axis. Ensure your design current is below this curve with margin.
4
Design Verification Checklist — Section 08
Eight clickable checkboxes covering all critical design rules. Work through each before PCB layout signoff. State resets on page reload — screenshot or print when complete.
08PCB Layout Guidelines
1
Use the recommended land pattern
Use the IPC-7351 land pattern shown in Section 05 of the Datasheet tab. Do not reduce pad area — this degrades thermal coupling and solderability.
2
Maximize copper area for thermal rating
The 10.2 A rating assumes Cu 40 mm wide, 105 µm (3 oz) thick. Use wide copper pours on the power layer. For narrower copper, derate the current or measure ΔT on your actual board.
Rule of thumb: Each halving of copper width increases ΔT by approximately 40% at the same current. Thermal measurements at currents above 6 A are strongly recommended.
3
Minimize switching node loop area
Place the inductor close to the converter IC switching node. Minimize the high dV/dt loop area: SW pin → inductor → output capacitor → GND → IC. Larger loops radiate more EMI.
4
Keep sensitive signals away
Maintain 2–3 mm lateral clearance from analog sensing traces, feedback networks, and oscillator components carrying signals below 100 mV.
5
Avoid vias directly under the component
Vias within pads cause solder wicking during reflow — poor joints, component tilt, reduced mechanical strength. Follow IPC-7711/7721 via-in-pad fill requirements if unavoidable.
09Soldering & Assembly

The WE-PMFI is rated MSL 1 — unlimited floor life at ≤30°C / 85% rH. No baking required after opening the factory moisture barrier bag under normal manufacturing conditions.

1
Reflow soldering (recommended)
Follow IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020E: ramp-up ≤ 3°C/s (TL→TP), TP ≤ 260°C, time above TL (217°C) = 60–150 s, ramp-down ≤ 6°C/s.
Critical: TP ≤ 260°C is a hard limit. Verify oven profile with a thermocouple on the pad — not just the oven air temperature.
2
Maximum reflow cycles
Qualified for maximum 2 reflow cycles. For double-sided assembly, ensure total TP exposures do not exceed this limit.
3
Storage before soldering
Store at +5°C to +40°C, below 75% rH. Use within 12 months of shipment date. Supplied in 8 mm tape, 3000 pieces per reel.
4
Cleaning and handling
Compatible with standard aqueous and no-clean flux processes. Avoid prolonged contact with strong solvents. Handle by the body — do not apply force to terminals during placement.
10Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the inductance tolerance ±30%? That seems very wide.
Power inductors use composite core materials optimized for high saturation current, not tight inductance tolerance. ±30% is normal for this class. Your converter's control loop compensates for inductance variation — verify loop stability at both ±30% extremes. At −30% (0.07 µH), ripple current is 43% higher; confirm Ipeak is still below ISAT,10%.
Can I use this inductor above 10.2 A if my ambient is very low (e.g. −40°C)?
Thermally, the formula gives ~14.4 A at −40°C. However you are then bounded by ISAT — peak current must stay below 7.75 A (ISAT,10%) regardless of temperature. Never exceed ISAT,30% = 13.7 A in steady state. Validate any above-rated operation with measurement on your actual board.
What is the difference between this and the WE-PMCI series?
The WE-PMFI (Flatwire) uses a flat copper conductor, giving lower DCR for the same footprint vs the WE-PMCI (round wire). The land pattern is compatible between the two series — you can upgrade from WE-PMCI to WE-PMFI without PCB redesign. Confirm the order code for the exact footprint before substituting.
Does the component need a keep-out zone for EMI?
The molded composite construction significantly reduces EMI vs open-frame inductors. A strict keep-out zone is not mandatory. For sensitive analog signals below 100 mV, maintain 2–3 mm lateral clearance and avoid routing under the component body on inner layers.
Can I hand-solder this component?
Hand soldering is not recommended for 201610 SMD inductors due to overheating risk. If rework is required, use a hot-air station at ≤350°C air temperature with a fine nozzle, limiting exposure to minimum time needed. Never exceed TP ≤ 260°C body temperature.
Where can I get SPICE and 3D models?
Würth Elektronik provides free CAD resources through REDEXPERT at we-online.com. Available formats: PSpice / Spectre (25a), KiCad (25a), Altium (25b), and 3D model (3D_WE-PMFI_201610). See Section 07 of the Datasheet tab for references.