PFL2015-682ME - 6.8µH Shielded Power Inductor | Coilcraft
MPN: PFL2015-682ME ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.42 | $0.42 |
| 10 | $0.38 | $3.80 |
| 100 | $0.31 | $31.00 |
| 500 | $0.27 | $135.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.23 | $230.00 |
| 3,000 | $0.2 | $600.00 |
PFL2015-682ME Overview
A power inductor is a passive energy-storage element that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through its windings, then releases that energy to maintain continuous conduction in switching DC-DC converters. The molded shielded construction places the winding inside a composite magnetic core and a magnetically-shielded housing, suppressing stray flux that would otherwise couple into adjacent traces or components. PFL2015-682ME sits in the inductor taxonomy as: molded power inductor → shielded power inductor → SMD power inductor → passive component.
Key features include a soft-saturation characteristic that allows brief peaks above the saturation rating without hard inductor roll-off, an AEC-Q200 qualification supporting automotive reliability requirements, a low DCR of 400 mOhms that minimizes I²R conduction loss, and a shielded package that reduces EMI in dense PCB layouts. The 6.8 µH inductance is set by the coil geometry using a composite core material, providing repeatable performance across the −40 °C to +125 °C operating temperature range.
Typical applications include DC-DC buck and boost converter output filters, point-of-load (POL) regulators, battery-powered portable device power management, automotive infotainment and ADAS power rails, and LED driver output stages. The 680 mA current rating supports mid-current rails such as 3.3 V or 5 V core supplies and most sub-amp loads.
Designers should derate saturation current at elevated ambient temperature (typically to 80% at 85 °C) and place the inductor adjacent to the switching node to minimize the AC loop area, which improves efficiency and reduces radiated EMI. Verify that the saturation rating covers the converter peak inductor current, not just the average load current.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, AEC-Q200 compliance context, drop-in PFL family alternatives, and application notes that are not present in the Coilcraft catalog entry.
Drop-in alternatives for PFL2015-682ME — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with PFL2015-682ME (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DC Resistance (DCR), Package Size, Shielding.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PFL2015-682MEB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PFL2015-682MEC
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.38 / Unit
View Datasheet →PFL2015-682ME_
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PFL2015-102ME_
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PFL2015-472ME_
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PFL2015-682ME Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Inductance | 6.8 µH |
| Inductance Tolerance | ±20% |
| Saturation Current (Isat) | 680 mA |
| DC Resistance (DCR) | 400 mOhms |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Package Size | 2.0 × 2.0 × 1.5 mm |
| Shielding | Yes (molded/magnetically shielded) |
| Core Material | Composite |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Termination Style | SMD |
| Saturation Characteristic | Soft saturation |
| AEC-Q200 | Qualified |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Series | PFL2015 |
PFL2015-682ME Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Terminal 1 — Inductor winding terminal 1 (no polarity) |
| Pin 2 | Terminal 2 — Inductor winding terminal 2 (no polarity) |
Typical Applications
PFL2015-682ME is suitable for 6 applications: DC-DC Buck Converter Output Filter, Point-of-Load (POL) Regulator Output, Portable Battery-Powered Device Power, Automotive Infotainment Power Rail, LED Driver Output Stage, Industrial Sensor and IoT Module Power.
DC-DC Buck Converter Output Filter
The PFL2015-682ME's 6.8 µH inductance and 680 mA saturation current match typical buck converter output filter requirements for 3.3 V and 5 V rails drawing 200-500 mA continuous load. The composite core soft saturation characteristic allows brief peak currents up to 700 mA during load transients without hard inductor roll-off, maintaining output voltage regulation. With 400 mOhms DCR, conduction loss at full 680 mA load is approximately 185 mW, which is acceptable for thermally-constrained portable designs. The 2.0×2.0 mm molded shielded package reduces radiated EMI by suppressing stray flux, enabling tighter PCB placement next to the switching node. Use the inductor in continuous-conduction-mode (CCM) buck designs at switching frequencies of 1-3 MHz where its small size and low profile are critical.
Recommended
Point-of-Load (POL) Regulator Output
POL regulators powering FPGA cores, ASIC rails, and SoC subsystems benefit from the PFL2015-682ME's shielded construction and small footprint. The 6.8 µH value pairs with common 1.5 A POL controllers operating at 1-2 MHz switching frequency, where the inductor smooths the switched current into a low-ripple DC rail. The shielded package is critical when placing the inductor adjacent to noise-sensitive analog sections; magnetic shielding prevents flux coupling into nearby ADC reference pins or RF signal traces. At 680 mA saturation and 400 mOhms DCR, the PFL2015-682ME supports POL rails up to roughly 4 W output power. The −40 °C to +125 °C operating range and AEC-Q200 qualification also suit industrial and automotive POL applications.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Device Power
The PFL2015-682ME's 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm molded package and 6.8 µH value make it well suited for portable, battery-powered applications such as wearables, handheld instruments, and IoT sensor nodes. At 400 mOhms DCR, quiescent conduction loss is minimal when the device sleeps at light load; battery life is preserved compared to higher-DCR alternatives. The 680 mA saturation current covers peak load bursts in radio transmit events, motor startup, or display backlight pulse-width-modulation. Composite core soft saturation prevents hard-cutoff behavior that could cause load-dropout during transient events. The RoHS-compliant, lead-free SMD package supports reflow profiles up to 260 °C peak per JEDEC J-STD-020.
Recommended
Automotive Infotainment Power Rail
The PFL2015-682ME is AEC-Q200 qualified, making it suitable for automotive infotainment power rails that drive audio amplifiers, display backlights, and connectivity modules. The −40 °C to +125 °C operating range covers automotive temperature class 1 requirements. The shielded package reduces EMI emissions that must comply with CISPR 25 automotive EMC standards. At 6.8 µH and 680 mA Isat, the part supports 5 V and 3.3 V rails drawing up to 500 mA continuous load, which is typical for infotainment subsystem power. The molded construction provides mechanical robustness against vibration, an important automotive reliability factor.
Recommended
LED Driver Output Stage
LED driver output stages use the PFL2015-682ME as the energy-storage inductor in boost or buck-boost topologies driving high-brightness LEDs. The 6.8 µH value pairs with switching frequencies in the 500 kHz to 1.5 MHz range typical of LED drivers, where the inductor smooths the switched current to provide constant LED current. At 680 mA saturation, the part drives LED strings up to roughly 2 W of optical output power. The shielded construction reduces EMI that would otherwise couple into adjacent analog circuits. Soft saturation prevents inductor roll-off that would cause LED current ripple and visible flicker, an important visual quality factor.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor and IoT Module Power
Industrial sensor modules, IoT edge devices, and factory automation subsystems use the PFL2015-682ME to filter DC-DC converter outputs powering low-power MCUs, radio transceivers, and sensor interfaces. The 6.8 µH value suits 3.3 V and 1.8 V rails drawing 50-300 mA continuous, which covers most sensor node power budgets. The shielded molded package is robust against industrial humidity and contamination per IEC 60068 standards when properly conformal-coated. At 400 mOhms DCR, efficiency stays above 90% at moderate loads, reducing thermal stress in sealed enclosures. The AEC-Q200 automotive-grade qualification also provides extended reliability margin for harsh industrial environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PFL2015-682ME — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PFL2015-682MEB | PFL2015-682MEC | PFL2015-682ME_ | PFL2015-102ME_ | PFL2015-472ME_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm - same | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm - same | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm - same | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm - same | SMD 2.0×2.0×1.5 mm - same |
| Brand | Coilcraft | Coilcraft - same | Coilcraft - same | Coilcraft - same | Coilcraft - same | Coilcraft - same |
| Inductance | 6.8 µH | 6.8 µH | 6.8 µH | 6.8 µH | 1.0 µH | 4.7 µH |
| Saturation Current (Isat) | 680 mA | 680 mA | 680 mA | 680 mA | 900 mA | 700 mA |
| DC Resistance (DCR) | 400 mOhms | 400 mOhms | 400 mOhms | 400 mOhms | 110-130 mOhms | 275-340 mOhms |
| AEC-Q200 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shielding | Yes (molded) | Yes (molded) | Yes (molded) | Yes (molded) | Yes (molded) | Yes (molded) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C | -40 °C to +125 °C |
| Core Material | Composite | Composite | Composite | Composite | Composite | Composite |
Key Differentiators
- Same-footprint alternatives within the PFL2015 series enable inductance value swap without PCB rework (vs PFL2015-102ME_ (1.0 µH))
- Composite core soft saturation prevents hard inductor roll-off under transient loads (vs Ferrite-core inductors with hard saturation)
- AEC-Q200 qualified with 125 °C max operating temperature for automotive and harsh environment (vs Commercial-grade SMD inductors without AAS qualification)
Design Notes
Verify saturation current against converter peak inductor current, not average load. The PFL2015-682ME has 680 mA Isat, but a buck converter at VIN=12V, VOUT=3.3V at 500 mA continuous may see 800 mA peak current at light load due to inductor ripple. Always size the inductor Isat to cover worst-case peak current including transient response. Estimated: at 500 mA continuous, 50% ripple current, peak current is approximately 500 + 250/2 = 625 mA, but load transient overshoot can push peak above 680 mA.
Estimated: at 680 mA continuous load and 400 mOhms DCR, conduction loss is approximately 185 mW. Combined with AC winding loss (typically 20-30% of DC loss at 1 MHz), total power dissipation is around 220-240 mW. The molded 2.0×2.0 mm package has limited thermal dissipation; for applications at the upper temperature limit (+85 °C or above), derate continuous current to 80% of Isat or use a smaller-footprint inductor with more copper area.
Place the PFL2015-682ME adjacent to the switching node and output capacitor to minimize the AC current loop area. Per Coilcraft Document 876-2, the recommended land pattern is 0.7×0.9 mm pads on a 1.5 mm pitch. Avoid routing sensitive analog or RF signal traces directly under the inductor even with magnetic shielding, as capacitive coupling can still inject switching noise. Use a ground pour on the layer beneath the inductor to provide additional shielding.
Compliance Information
AEC-Q200 qualified (automotive passive component stress test standard, distinct from AEC-Q100 which applies to ICs). Lead-free reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020, peak temperature 260 °C. Halogen-free per IEC 61249-2019.
