As a Japanese giant in passive electronic components, TDK has always led the direction of technological R&D with its unique material technology and global vision. Through continuous mergers and acquisitions, its powerful sub-brands leverage their respective strengths to firmly grasp the initiative in the market. This article analyzes the core advantages of TDK’s six major key brands.
1. TDK Electronics
As TDK’s core brand, TDK Electronics focuses on passive components and sensors, whose products are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive, industrial and communication sectors. EPCOS has been integrated into TDK Electronics, further expanding its product portfolio:
- Capacitors: Multilayer Ceramic Chip Capacitors (MLCC), film capacitors (for EV charging systems and photovoltaic inverters), and vibration-resistant aluminum electrolytic capacitors (for on-board ECUs).
- Inductors: Hi-Q inductors (for high-frequency signal processing), film power inductors (to improve power efficiency), and chip power inductors (for high-current applications) – a core product driving TDK Group’s positive growth in FY2025.
- Filters: Three-terminal feedthrough filters (for high-frequency noise suppression) and film common-mode filters (with miniaturized design).
- Sensors: MEMS microphones, barometric pressure sensors, and NTC thermistors for temperature measurement (for battery temperature monitoring).
- High-frequency components: Band-pass filters, duplexers (supporting 5G base stations), and isolators (preventing signal backflow).
- Modules & Technologies: SESUB IC-embedded substrates (3D packaging) and wireless charging coil modules (supporting multi-spec protocols).
EPCOS specializes in electronic components and system solutions, with outstanding performance in the automotive and industrial fields:
- CeraLink™: PLZT material-based ceramic capacitors for DC links, enabling high-efficiency inverter design.
- X1 capacitors: Withstanding 1000 VDC high voltage, applied in EMI filtering for EV on-board chargers and photovoltaic inverters.
- Film capacitors: Self-healing characteristics, used in industrial frequency converters and EV charging systems.
- Ferrites & Inductors: High-frequency magnetic cores and power inductors (supporting ADAS and connected cars) – a major product contributing to FY2025 positive growth.
- Protection devices: Varistors, PTC thermistors, and gas discharge tubes (for surge protection).
- Sensors: Temperature sensors (for on-board engine monitoring) and MEMS inertial sensors (Tronics series, acquired by EPCOS in 2016).
- Power electronics: Power capacitors (for HVDC transmission) and EMC filters (for railway and industrial equipment).
2. TDK-LAMBDA
TDK-LAMBDA is a global leader in power supply solutions, with products covering industrial, medical and new energy sectors:
- AC-DC power supplies: Supporting wide input voltage ranges, suitable for industrial automation and communication equipment.
- DC-DC converters: μPOL™ embedded converters (powering microprocessors) and bidirectional converters (for energy recovery systems).
- Programmable power supplies: CVCC DC variable power supplies (for laboratory testing) and high-voltage power supplies (for pulse discharge circuits).
- EV charging: SurfIND series high-current solutions and HVC43MC/HVC45 high-voltage contactors (enhancing safety).
- Renewable energy: Power modules for photovoltaic inverters and bidirectional converters for energy storage systems (ESS).
3. TDK-MICRONAS
TDK-MICRONAS focuses on Hall effect sensors and motor control, deeply cultivating the automotive and industrial markets:
- Linear sensors: Measuring position and pressure (e.g., automotive accelerator pedals).
- 3D right-angle sensors: Detecting complex magnetic fields (e.g., steering wheel angle).
- Current sensors: Applied in battery management systems (BMS).
- Motor controllers: Integrated driver chips (e.g., for BLDC motor control), supporting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in automobiles.
- Automotive applications: Electronic gear shifters, seat adjustment modules, and ADAS systems (e.g., lane keep assist).
4. InvenSense Group
InvenSense is an innovator in MEMS sensors, with products focusing on motion tracking and intelligent perception:
- Inertial sensors: 6-axis IMUs including IAM-20685HP (for ADAS positioning) and IAM-20689 (ASIL D safety grade, supporting steer-by-wire).
- Accelerometers/Gyroscopes: Used in AR/VR headsets and UAV navigation.
- Audio solutions: High SNR MEMS microphones and voice enhancement algorithms (for noise reduction).
- Industrial applications: Robot motion control and asset tracking (combined with Bluetooth positioning).
5. ATL Group
ATL is a world-leading supplier of lithium-ion batteries, focusing on consumer electronics and new energy sectors:
- Fast-charging batteries: 10C ultra-fast charging technology (10-minute full charge) for high-end smartphones.
- Irregular-shaped batteries: Customized design (e.g., ultra-thin batteries for foldable smartphones).
- Power batteries: High-energy-density pouch batteries (supporting 800 charge-discharge cycles) for electric vehicles.
- Energy storage systems: Long cycle-life batteries (ES LIB series) for grid-scale energy storage.
6. SAE Group
TDK SAE (SAE Magnetics) is a pioneer in storage technology, leading the market in magnetic heads and optoelectronic packaging:
- Hard disk magnetic heads: HGA/HSA assemblies (for enterprise-level HDDs) and perpendicular magnetic recording technology (improving storage density).
- Optoelectronic devices: Optical module packaging (for high-speed communication in data centers) and VCSEL arrays (for 3D sensing).
- Automotive electronics: On-board hard disk drives (for infotainment systems) and TMR magnetoresistive sensors (for current detection).
