January 6, 2026 /SemiMedia/ — Japan-based passive component maker Taiyo Yuden has commercialised a new 1608-size multilayer metal power inductor for automotive applications, expanding its MCOIL™ LACN series as demand grows for compact and heat-resistant components in vehicle electronics.

Automotive electronics drive demand for compact power inductors

The newly launched product complies with the AEC-Q200 reliability standard and is designed for use in automotive power supply circuits. Compared with the previous 2012-size model, the new inductor reduces footprint by nearly half while maintaining the same height, supporting higher circuit density in space-constrained modules.

The inductors are used as choke coils in DC-DC converters for engine control units, safety systems such as ABS, body electronics including ADAS, and in-vehicle information systems such as instrument clusters. As automotive systems integrate more functions, stable and compact power components have become critical to overall system performance.

High-density power management becomes critical for ADAS and ECUs

Taiyo Yuden said the product leverages its proprietary metal bonding technology, in which metal materials are joined through an oxide film formed by heat treatment. This structure ensures electrical insulation while enhancing thermal conductivity and heat resistance, enabling stable operation across a temperature range of -55°C to +165°C.

Thermal reliability shapes passive component design in vehicles

Industry demand for such components has been rising alongside the adoption of ADAS and integrated cockpit systems, which increase both processing loads and the number of power supply circuits. At the same time, more electronic control units are being installed in high-temperature environments, raising reliability requirements for passive components.

Mass production of the new inductors began in December 2025 at Taiyo Yuden’s Wakayama manufacturing subsidiary. The company said it plans to further expand its automotive power inductor lineup to address long-term growth in vehicle electrification and electronic integration.