### MLC20-R56M-RC: Technical Overview The **MLC20-R56M-RC** is a high-performance **Surface Mount (SMD) Power Inductor**. It is specifically designed for high-frequency DC-DC conversion and power management applications where space is limited but high current capability is required. --- ### Key Specifications | Parameter | Value | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Inductance** | 0.56 µH | The nominal inductance value. | | **Tolerance** | ±20% (M) | The allowable variance in inductance. | | **DC Resistance (DCR)** | ~10.0 mΩ (Max) | Resistance of the coil; lower is better for efficiency. | | **Saturation Current ($I_{sat}$)** | ~5.0 A to 7.0 A | The current at which inductance drops significantly. | | **Rated Current ($I_{rms}$)** | ~4.5 A to 6.0 A | The continuous current based on temperature rise. | | **Operating Temp** | -40°C to +125°C | Standard industrial/automotive range. | | **Package Size** | 2.0 x 1.6 x 1.0 mm | Often referred to as a **2016** (metric) size. | --- ### Internal Construction and Materials 1. **Magnetic Core**: Usually composed of a **Metal Alloy Powder**. Unlike traditional ferrite cores, metal alloy cores provide "soft saturation," meaning the inductance decreases gradually as current increases rather than dropping off sharply. 2. **Molding Technology**: The "MLC" series often indicates a **Molded Inductor**. The wire coil is placed inside a mold, and metal powder is pressed around it. This creates a shielded structure that minimizes EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). 3. **Lead-Free/RoHS**: The "-RC" suffix typically denotes **RoHS Compliant**, ensuring the part is free from lead and other restricted hazardous substances. --- ### Typical Applications This part is primarily used in compact electronic devices where power density is critical: * **Smartphones & Tablets**: Local power regulation for processors. * **SSD Drives**: Powering the controller and NAND flash. * **Wearables**: Efficient battery management in small footprints. * **DC-DC Converters**: Point-of-Load (POL) converters. --- ### Part Number Breakdown | Prefix | Size Code | Inductance Code | Tolerance | Suffix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **MLC** | **20** | **R56** | **M** | **RC** | | Series Name | 2.0x1.6mm | 0.56 Microhenry | ±20% | RoHS Compliant | ---