FDV0840-R42M
AI

## FDV0840-R42M: Electronic Component Overview
The **FDV0840-R42M** is a high-current, shielded surface-mount (SMD) power inductor manufactured by Murata (specifically from the TOKO heritage line). It is designed for high-efficiency DC-DC conversion applications.
### 1. Technical Specifications
The part number follows a specific nomenclature that defines its physical and electrical characteristics.
| Parameter | Specification |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Inductance** | 0.42 µH |
| **Tolerance** | ±20% |
| **DC Resistance (DCR)** | ~1.6 mΩ (Max) |
| **Isat (Saturation Current)** | ~21.2 A (based on 30% drop in L) |
| **Irms (Rated Current)** | ~18.8 A (based on 40°C temp rise) |
| **Dimensions (LxWxH)** | 8.4 x 8.0 x 4.0 mm |
| **Operating Temp** | -40°C to +125°C |
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### 2. Key Internal Components & Materials
* **Magnetic Core:** Utilizes a metal alloy powder core. Unlike traditional ferrite, metal powder cores offer "soft" saturation characteristics, meaning the inductance drops gradually rather than abruptly as current increases.
* **Winding:** Features a heavy-gauge copper wire to minimize DC resistance (DCR), which reduces heat dissipation and improves efficiency.
* **Shielding:** The component is magnetically shielded. The core material surrounds the winding, minimizing Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with surrounding components on the PCB.
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### 3. Application Use Cases
This specific inductor is found in power management stages where high current and low profile are required:
1. **Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs):** Used in CPU/GPU power delivery for servers and laptops.
2. **Point of Load (PoL) Converters:** High-efficiency step-down (Buck) converters.
3. **Battery Powered Devices:** Due to low DCR, it helps extend battery life by reducing power loss during conversion.
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### 4. Part Number Breakdown
* **FDV:** Series name (Metal alloy, shielded).
* **0840:** Dimensions (8.0mm width x 4.0mm height).
* **R42:** Inductance value (R = decimal point; 0.42 µH).
* **M:** Tolerance (M = ±20%).
- ⤷
What are the main advantages of a metal alloy core over a ferrite core in power inductors?
- ⤷ How does the low DCR of the FDV0840-R42M impact overall system efficiency?
- ⤷ What are the recommended PCB footprint dimensions for the 0840 package?