HCV1206-R48-R - 480nH 16A High-Current SMD Inductor | Eaton
MPN: HCV1206-R48-R ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.1 | $210.00 |
| 500 | $1.75 | $875.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.42 | $1,420.00 |
| 3,000 | $1.18 | $3,540.00 |
HCV1206-R48-R Overview
A power inductor is a passive magnetic component that stores energy in its magnetic field when current flows through its windings and releases that energy when current is interrupted; in switching power supplies, the inductor smooths current ripple, sets the converter's energy-transfer characteristic (the L·di/dt term), and forms the output filter together with a capacitor. The HCV1206 family uses a flat-wire winding on a drum-core ferrite body that yields lower DC resistance (DCR) than equivalent round-wire parts, reducing conduction loss and improving overall converter efficiency at high DC bias currents.
Key features of the HCV1206-R48-R include a maximum DCR of 3.15 mΩ (typical), 480 nH ±10 % open-circuit inductance measured at 100 kHz / 0.1 Vrms / 0 Adc, an etched flat-wire construction for repeatable DCR and saturation behavior, and a solderable surface-mount land pattern with coplanarity specified to 0.1 mm. According to the Eaton HCV1206 datasheet, Irms is defined as the DC current that produces approximately 40 °C temperature rise without core loss, and the part is derated for AC ripple. The HCV1206 footprint also provides a dedicated pin-3 mounting-stability terminal that increases mechanical robustness against vibration and thermal-cycling stress.
Typical applications include high-current point-of-load (POL) and VRM inductors, buck and multiphase VR converter output chokes, automotive 48 V mild-hybrid DC-DC converters, server and telecom silver-box output filters, and Class-D amplifier output filters. The flat-wire geometry also reduces skin-effect losses at higher switching frequencies compared to round-wire equivalents.
When designing with the HCV1206-R48-R, place the part over a continuous ground/power copper pour to spread heat, and observe the 40 °C temperature-rise derating curve to size DC current correctly; at high ripple, derate further to keep total losses (DCR·I² + core loss) within the thermal budget. This page consolidates distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB thermal notes not found in the stock datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for HCV1206-R48-R — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
HCV1206-R47-R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HCV1206-R56-R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HCV1206-R33-R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HCV1206-R68-R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HCV1206-1R0-R
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
HCV1206-R48-R Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Eaton (Coiltronics brand) |
| Series | HCV1206 |
| Inductance (OCL) | 480 nH (0.48 µH) |
| Inductance Tolerance | ±10 % |
| Test Frequency / Level | 100 kHz, 0.1 Vrms, 0.0 Adc, +25 °C |
| DC Resistance (DCR) Max | 3.15 mΩ |
| Saturation Current (Isat) | 16 A |
| Rated Current (Irms) | 37 A (approx. 40 °C rise, DC, no core loss) |
| Construction | Flat-wire winding, drum core, unshielded |
| Core Material | Ferrite |
| Package / Footprint | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206), Nonstandard |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (Tape & Reel) |
| Operating Temperature | -55 °C to +125 °C |
| Soldering Coplanarity | 0.1 mm max |
| Part Marking Code | HCV1206-R48 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
HCV1206-R48-R 12 mm x 6 mm smt (hcv1206), nonstandard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for HCV1206-R48-R (12 mm x 6 mm smt (hcv1206), nonstandard package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for HCV1206-R48-R.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
HCV1206-R48-R is suitable for 6 applications: High-Current Point-of-Load (POL) DC-DC Converters, Multiphase VRM / Voltage Regulator Output Chokes, Automotive 48 V Mild-Hybrid DC-DC Converters, Server and Telecom Silver-Box Output Filters, Class-D Audio Amplifier Output Filters, Industrial Motor Drive and Solar Inverter Stages.
High-Current Point-of-Load (POL) DC-DC Converters
The HCV1206-R48-R is a natural fit for non-isolated buck POL stages powering CPUs, ASICs, and FPGAs from a 12 V or 5 V bus, where its 480 nH nominal inductance and 16 A saturation rating provide sufficient energy storage for switching frequencies between 300 kHz and 1 MHz. At 480 nH the L·di/dt volt-second swing is sized to keep peak-to-peak inductor ripple current in the 20-40 % range of full load, which optimizes the trade-off between conduction loss (DCR·I_rms²) and switching loss in the high-side FETs. Placed between the switching node and the output capacitor bank, the inductor's flat-wire geometry and 3.15 mΩ DCR minimize I²R drop at 16 A continuous, which would otherwise exceed 800 mW in a higher-DCR part. Eaton specifies Irms at 37 A for ~40 °C rise in still air, but in a real POL layout with copper thermal spreading, derate the DC operating point to roughly 60 % of that number to limit junction and PCB temperature rise. Compared to a 1.0 µH part, the 480 nH value gives faster transient response at the cost of slightly higher ripple voltage.
Recommended
Multiphase VRM / Voltage Regulator Output Chokes
In a multiphase VRM (e.g., a 4- or 6-phase buck for a server CPU or GPU core rail), each phase inductor sees one-Nth of the total load current plus the per-phase ripple. The HCV1206-R48-R's 480 nH at 16 A Isat is well-matched to 60-120 A VRM designs where each phase carries 10-15 A average, leaving headroom for transient excursions. According to the Eaton datasheet, the 37 A Irms rating assumes DC current with no core loss; in a 300-500 kHz multiphase VR the effective current must be derated to account for ferrite core losses that scale with frequency and AC flux density. The 12 mm x 6 mm footprint also helps keep the PCB layout symmetric between phases, which is critical for current sharing. Compared to smaller 5 mm x 5 mm inductors, the HCV1206 part runs cooler at the same per-phase current and tolerates higher transient slew rates without saturation.
Recommended
Automotive 48 V Mild-Hybrid DC-DC Converters
The 48 V mild-hybrid architecture in modern cars uses a bidirectional buck-boost converter between a 48 V Li-ion pack and the 12 V bus, with per-inductor currents of 20-50 A peak. The HCV1206-R48-R's 16 A continuous / 37 A Irms headroom and -55 °C to +125 °C rating suit under-hood environments, although AEC-Q200 stress-grade qualification is not explicitly declared on the datasheet and should be confirmed with Eaton for production automotive use. The 480 nH value is a typical choice for 100-200 kHz buck stages stepping 48 V down to 12 V at 200-400 W per phase. Its 3.15 mΩ DCR keeps full-load efficiency above 96 % even at 30 A, which matters for thermal management in sealed enclosures. The 12 mm x 6 mm SMT package also supports automated optical inspection (AOI) on high-volume automotive production lines.
Recommended
Server and Telecom Silver-Box Output Filters
In AC-DC silver-box front-end converters that deliver 12 V or 48 V to downstream point-of-load converters, an output inductor smooths the rectified switching node before bulk capacitors. The HCV1206-R48-R's 16 A Isat and 37 A Irms make it appropriate for sub-1 kW silver-box output stages, especially where low DCR matters for holdup time during AC dropouts. At 480 nH the inductor forms an effective LC filter with the output bulk capacitance to attenuate switching ripple, and the flat-wire winding handles the high RMS current that flows continuously in such applications. According to the Eaton HCV1206 datasheet, AC ripple must be derated against the 37 A DC number to control total losses (DCR·I² + core loss). Compared to a toroidal through-hole inductor, the HCV1206 SMT part enables fully automated assembly and a lower profile, which is essential for 1U and 2U server form factors.
Recommended
Class-D Audio Amplifier Output Filters
Class-D amplifiers switch the output stage at 250 kHz to 1 MHz and use a LC low-pass filter on each output to recover the audio waveform. The HCV1206-R48-R can serve as the output filter inductor for 50-100 W Class-D amplifiers where the inductor must handle peak audio currents of 5-15 A and exhibit low DCR to preserve amplifier damping factor. At 480 nH and a 1 µF film capacitor, the cutoff frequency is roughly 7 kHz, which is suitable for full-range audio. The 16 A saturation headroom tolerates the loud transient peaks that music signals produce, and the low 3.15 mΩ DCR helps maintain damping factor above 50 for tight bass. Compared to a ferrite-core drum inductor, the HCV1206 family also reduces skin-effect losses at the high end of the audio band. Designers should bias the LC filter below the switching frequency by at least a decade.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Drive and Solar Inverter Stages
In industrial variable-frequency drives and photovoltaic inverters, the HCV1206-R48-R can be used in the DC-link filter or in the boost stage between the PV string and the high-voltage DC bus. Its 16 A Isat is well-matched to sub-3 kW residential string inverters, and the 37 A Irms rating supports continuous operation at 60-80 % loading. At 480 nH, the inductor supports switching frequencies in the 50-100 kHz range typical of IGBT-based solar inverters, while still providing meaningful energy storage per cycle. The -55 °C to +125 °C rating covers outdoor cabinetized inverter installations, and the surface-mount construction withstands the vibration profile of a wall-mounted inverter. Compared to a magnetic-core through-hole choke of similar rating, the HCV1206 SMT inductor reduces assembly cost and improves power density. Designers must still verify that core loss at the chosen switching frequency stays within the thermal budget.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for HCV1206-R48-R — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | HCV1206-R47-R | HCV1206-R56-R | HCV1206-R33-R | HCV1206-R68-R | HCV1206-1R0-R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Eaton | Eaton | Eaton | Eaton | Eaton | Eaton |
| Package / Footprint | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) - same | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) - same | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) - same | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) - same | 12 mm x 6 mm SMT (HCV1206) - same |
| Inductance | 480 nH (R48) | 470 nH | 560 nH | 330 nH | 680 nH | 1000 nH |
| Inductance Tolerance | ±10 % | ±10 % | ±10 % | ±10 % | ±10 % | ±10 % |
| Construction | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite | Flat-wire drum core, ferrite |
| Operating Temperature | -55 °C to +125 °C | -55 °C to +125 °C | -55 °C to +125 °C | -55 °C to +125 °C | -55 °C to +125 °C | -55 °C to +125 °C |
Key Differentiators
- Flat-wire winding yields lower DCR than round-wire equivalents (vs Generic 480 nH round-wire 12x6 SMT inductor)
- Same-footprint siblings span 0.10 µH to 2.2 µH for design flexibility (vs HCV1206-R33-R (330 nH sibling))
- 16 A saturation with 37 A Irms in a low-profile SMT package (vs HCV1206-R68-R (680 nH sibling))
Design Notes
At 16 A continuous DC, the HCV1206-R48-R dissipates approximately I²R = 16² × 0.00315 ≈ 0.81 W in still air (estimated using DCR max of 3.15 mΩ). According to the Eaton datasheet, Irms (37 A) is defined for an approximate 40 °C temperature rise without core loss, so at 16 A DC the temperature rise scales roughly with I², yielding under 5 °C in still air - well within the 125 °C maximum. In real layouts, add copper thermal spreading under the SMT pads and derate further for AC ripple and ambient temperature inside enclosures.
Use the recommended land pattern from the Eaton HCV1206 datasheet; the package specifies 0.1 mm maximum coplanarity on the soldering surfaces. Pin 3 of the HCV1206 is a mounting-stability terminal and must be soldered to a copper pad even if it carries no electrical current, to provide mechanical support against vibration and thermal cycling. Place the inductor close to the switching node to minimize the high-frequency AC loop area and avoid radiated EMI; keep sensitive analog return paths away from the inductor's magnetic field.
Do not operate at the 37 A Irms number continuously if the application has significant AC ripple - core loss adds to DCR loss and can push the part past the 125 °C limit. Verify saturation behavior at the worst-case peak current (load transient + ripple) against the 16 A Isat figure, not just the steady-state DC current. Avoid routing high-current return paths through the inductor's mechanical-support pin 3 unless the datasheet allows it, since inductance and saturation are characterized with that pin as a stable mechanical reference only.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per product page. No explicit AEC-Q200 automotive stress-grade qualification declared on datasheet - consult Eaton for AEC-Q200 qualified equivalents if required for automotive programs. Halogen-free status not declared in the verified web data.
