Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a low profile, magnetic component. The method includes stacking a the plurality of substantially planar and flexible magnetic powder sheets, locating a preformed multiple turn conductive winding between at least two of the plurality of substantially planar and flexible magnetic powder sheets in the stack, and pressure laminating the flexible magnetic powder sheets around the preformed multiple turn conductive winding to define a magnetic core containing the winding.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/181,436 filed Jul. 29, 2008 and now issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,378,777, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to electronic components and methods of manufacturing these components and, more particularly, to inductors, transformers, and the methods of manufacturing them. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typical inductors may include shaped cores, including a shield core and drum core, U core and I core, E core and I core, and other matching shapes. The inductors typically have a conductive wire wrapped around the core or a clip. The wrapped wire is commonly referred to as a coil and is wound on the drum core or other bobbin core directly. Each end of the coil may be referred to as a lead and is used for coupling the inductor to an electrical circuit. Discrete cores may be bound together through an adhesive. 
     With advancements in electronic packaging, the trend has been to manufacture power inductors having miniature structures. Thus, the core structure must have lower and lower profiles so that they may accommodate the modern electronic devices, some of which may be slim or have a very thin profile. Manufacturing inductors having the low profile has caused manufactures to encounter many difficulties, thereby making the manufacturing process expensive. 
     For example, as the components become smaller and smaller, difficulty has arisen due to the nature of the components being hand wound. These hand wound components provide for inconsistencies in the product themselves. Another encountered difficulty includes the shape cores being very fragile and prone to core cracking throughout the manufacturing process. An additional difficulty is that the inductance is not very consistent due to the gap deviation between the two discrete cores, including but not limited to drum cores and shielded cores and U cores and I cores, during assembly. A further difficulty is that the DC resistance (“DCR”) is not consistent due to uneven winding and tension during the winding process. These difficulties represent examples of just a few of the many difficulties encountered while attempting to manufacture inductors having a miniature structure. 
     Manufacturing processes for inductors, like other components, have been scrutinized as a way to reduce costs in the highly competitive electronics manufacturing business. Reduction of manufacturing costs is particularly desirable when the components being manufactured are low cost, high volume components. In a high volume component, any reduction in manufacturing cost is, of course, significant. It may be possible that one material used in manufacturing may have a higher cost than another material, but the overall manufacturing cost may be less by using the more costly material because the reliability and consistency of the product in the manufacturing process is greater than the reliability and consistency of the same product manufactured with the less costly material. Thus, a greater number of actual manufactured products may be sold, rather than being discarded. Additionally, it also is possible that one material used in manufacturing a component may have a higher cost than another material, but the labor savings more than compensates for the increase in material costs. These examples are just a few of the many ways for reducing manufacturing costs. 
     It has become desirable to provide a magnetic component of increased efficiency and improved manufacturability without increasing the size of the components and occupying an undue amount of space, especially when used on circuit board applications. It also has become desirable to lessen the amount of manual manufacturing steps involved and automating more of the steps in the manufacturing process so that more consistent and reliable products may be produced. 
     SUMMARY 
     A magnetic component and a method for manufacturing a low profile, magnetic component are disclosed herein. The magnetic components include, but are not limited to, inductors and transformers. The magnetic components include at least one sheet and at least a portion of a winding coupled to the at least one sheet. The at least one sheet is laminated to at least a portion of the winding. The winding is oriented in a manner such that a magnetic field is generated in a desired direction when current flows through the winding. The winding may be made of a clip, a preformed coil, a stamped conductive foil, an etched trace using chemical or laser etching processes, or a combination of these exemplary windings. Additionally, terminations may be formed at the bottom of the magnetic component or formed on a substrate to which the magnetic component mounts to. 
     According to some embodiments, a plurality of sheets are layered on top of one another, where at least a portion of the winding is configured within the plurality of sheets. The plurality of sheets are laminated to one another to form the magnetic component. According to some embodiments, the entire winding is configured within the plurality of sheets, which may include the upper surface of the top sheet and/or the lower surface of the bottom sheet. According to alternative embodiments, a portion of the winding may be positioned on a substrate, such as, for example, a printed circuit board. Thus, the winding is not complete until the magnetic component is mounted to the substrate. According to another alternative embodiment, the sheet may be rolled around a winding and then laminated to form the magnetic component. In some embodiments, a portion of the winding forms the terminations. 
     According to another exemplary embodiment, the winding may be oriented in a manner such that a magnetic field is generated in a vertical orientation. In another exemplary embodiment, the winding may be oriented in a manner such that a magnetic field is generated in a horizontal direction. In a further exemplary embodiment, the winding may be oriented in a manner such that more than one magnetic field is generated in the same direction, each parallel to one another. In another exemplary embodiment, the winding may be oriented in a manner such that more than one magnetic field is generated in different directions, one oriented in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to another. Moreover, a plurality of winding may be formed within the magnetic component. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated exemplary embodiments, which include the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other features and aspects of the invention will be best understood with reference to the following description of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a first winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a vertically oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 1   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1   c  illustrates a perspective view of the first winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a second winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 2   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   c  illustrates a perspective view of the second winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a portion of a winding in the second winding configuration and at least one terminal located on a printed circuit board, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 3   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3   c  illustrates a perspective view of the second winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a plurality of windings in a third winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 4   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4   c  illustrates a perspective view of the third winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 4   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a preformed coil and at least one magnetic powder sheet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5   b  illustrates a perspective transparent view of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 5   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a plurality of windings in a fourth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a plurality of horizontally oriented core areas in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 6   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6   c  illustrates a perspective view of the fourth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a fifth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a plurality of horizontally oriented core areas in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 7   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7   c  illustrates a perspective view of the fifth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a sixth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a vertically oriented core area and a circularly oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 8   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8   c  illustrates a perspective view of the sixth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 8   a  and  FIG. 8   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn winding in a seventh winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9   d  illustrates a perspective view of the seventh winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a ,  FIG. 9   b , and  FIG. 9   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a two turn winding in an eighth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10   d  illustrates a perspective view of the eighth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a ,  FIG. 10   b , and  FIG. 10   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a three turn winding in a ninth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11   d  illustrates a perspective view of the ninth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a ,  FIG. 11   b , and  FIG. 11   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn clip winding in a tenth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12   d  illustrates a perspective view of the tenth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a ,  FIG. 12   b , and  FIG. 12   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a three turn clip winding in an eleventh winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13   d  illustrates a perspective view of the eleventh winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a ,  FIG. 13   b , and  FIG. 13   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14   a  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn clip winding in a twelfth winding configuration, a rolled magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14   b  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 14   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 14   c  illustrates a perspective view of the twelfth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 14   a  and  FIG. 14   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-14 , several views of various illustrative, exemplary embodiments of a magnetic component or device are shown. In an exemplary embodiment the device is an inductor, although it is appreciated that the benefits of the invention described below may accrue to other types of devices. While the materials and techniques described below are believed to be particularly advantageous for the manufacture of low profile inductors, it is recognized that the inductor is but one type of electrical component in which the benefits of the invention may be appreciated. Thus, the description set forth is for illustrative purposes only, and it is contemplated that benefits of the invention accrue to other sizes and types of inductors, as well as other electronic components, including but not limited to transformers. Therefore, practice of the inventive concepts herein is not limited solely to the exemplary embodiments described herein and illustrated in the Figures. Additionally, it is understood that the Figures are not to scale, and that the thickness and other sizes of the various components have been exaggerated for the purpose of clarity. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , several views of a first illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  100  are shown.  FIG. 1   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a first winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a vertically oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 1   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1   c  illustrates a perspective view of the first winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 1   a  and  FIG. 1   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  100  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  110 ,  120 ,  130  and a winding  140  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  110 ,  120 ,  130  in a first winding configuration  150 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  100  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  110  having a lower surface  112  and an upper surface  114 , a second magnetic powder sheet  120  having a lower surface  122  and an upper surface  124 , and a third magnetic powder sheet  130  having a lower surface  132  and an upper surface  134 . In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet can be a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts three magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the number of turns in the winding or to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  110  also includes a first terminal  116  and a second terminal  118  coupled to opposing longitudinal edges of the lower surface  112  of the first magnetic powder sheet  110 . These terminals  116 ,  118  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  100  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. Each of the terminals  116 ,  118  also comprises a via  117 ,  119  for coupling the terminals  116 ,  118  to one or more winding layers, which will be further discussed below. The vias  117 ,  119  are conductive connectors which proceed from the terminals  116 ,  118  on the lower surface  112  to the upper surface  114  of the first magnetic powder sheet  110 . The vias may be formed by drilling a hole through the magnetic powder sheets and plating the inner circumference of the drilled hole with conductive material. Alternatively, a conductive pin may be placed into the drilled holes to establish the conductive connections in the vias. Although the vias  117 ,  119  are shown to be cylindrical in shape, the vias may be a different geometric shape, for example, rectangular, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, the entire inductor can be formed and pressed before drilling the vias. Although the terminals are shown to be coupled to opposing longitudinal edges, the terminals may be coupled at alternative locations on the lower surface of the first magnetic powder sheet without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although each terminal is shown to have one via, additional vias may be formed in each of the terminals so as to position the one or more winding layers in parallel, rather than in series, depending upon the application, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  120  has a first winding layer  126  coupled to the lower surface  122  and a second winding layer  128  coupled to the upper surface  124  of the second magnetic powder sheet  120 . Both winding layers  126 ,  128  combine to form the winding  140 . The first winding layer  126  is coupled to the terminal  116  through the via  117 . The second winding layer  128  is coupled to the first winding layer  126  through via  127 , which is formed in the second magnetic powder sheet  120 . Via  127  proceeds from the lower surface  122  to the upper surface  124  of the second magnetic powder sheet  120 . The second winding layer  128  is coupled to the second terminal  118  through vias  129 ,  119 . Via  129  proceeds from the upper surface  124  to the lower surface  122  of the second magnetic powder sheet  120 . Although two winding layers are shown to be coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet in this embodiment, there may be one winding layer coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The winding layers  126 ,  128  are formed from a conductive copper layer which is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  120 . This conductive copper layer may include, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The etched copper trace may be formed, but is not limited to, chemical processes, photolithography techniques, or by laser etching techniques. As shown in this embodiment, the winding layer is a rectangular-shaped spiral pattern. However, other patterns may be used to form the winding without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although copper is used as the conductive material, other conductive materials may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The terminals  116 ,  118  may also be formed using a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or by any other suitable method. 
     The third magnetic powder sheet  130 , according to this embodiment, is placed on the upper surface  124  of the second magnetic powder sheet  120  so that the second winding layer  128  may be insulated and also so that the core area may be increased for handling higher current flow. 
     Although the third magnetic powder sheet is not shown to have a winding layer, a winding layer may be added to the lower surface of the third magnetic layer in lieu of the winding layer on the upper surface of the second magnetic powder sheet without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although the third magnetic powder sheet is not shown to have a winding layer, a winding layer may be added to the upper surface of the third magnetic layer without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Upon forming each of the magnetic powder sheets  110 ,  120 ,  130  with the winding layers  126 ,  128  and/or terminals  116 ,  118 , the sheets  110 ,  120 ,  130  are pressed with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  100 . After the sheets  110 ,  120 ,  130  have been pressed together, the vias are formed, as previously discussed. According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The miniature power inductor  100  is depicted as a cube shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The winding  140  includes a first winding layer  126  and a second winding layer  128  and forms a first winding configuration  150  having a vertically oriented core  157 . The first winding configuration  150  starts at the first terminal  116 , then proceeds to the first winding layer  126 , then proceeds to the second winding layer  128 , and then proceeds to the second terminal  118 . Thus, in this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , several views of a second illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  200  are shown.  FIG. 2   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a second winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 2   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 2   c  illustrates a perspective view of the second winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 2   a  and  FIG. 2   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  200  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  and a winding  250  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  in a second winding configuration  255 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  200  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  210  having a lower surface  212  and an upper surface  214 , a second magnetic powder sheet  220  having a lower surface  222  and an upper surface  224 , a third magnetic powder sheet  230  having a lower surface  232  and an upper surface  234 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  240  having a lower surface  242  and an upper surface  244 . As previously mentioned, the exemplary magnetic powder sheets can be magnetic powder sheets manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet, and have the same characteristics as described above. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  210  also includes a first terminal  216  and a second terminal  218  coupled to opposing longitudinal sides of the lower surface  212  of the first magnetic powder sheet  210 . These terminals  216 ,  218  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  200  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. The first magnetic powder sheet  210  also includes a first bottom winding layer portion  260 , a second bottom winding layer portion  261 , a third bottom winding layer portion  262 , a fourth bottom winding layer portion  263 , and a fifth bottom winding layer portion  264  that are all positioned in substantially the same direction as the terminals  216 ,  218  and positioned between the terminals  216 ,  218  in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264  are also located on the lower surface  212  of the first magnetic powder sheet  210 . 
     Each of the terminals  216 ,  218  comprises a via  280 ,  295 , respectively, for coupling the terminals  216 ,  218  to one or more winding layers. Additionally, each of the bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264  comprise two vias for coupling the bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264  to a respective top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275 , which is described in detail below. As listed, there is one additional top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  220  and the third magnetic powder sheet  230  comprise a plurality of vias  280 ,  281 ,  282 ,  283 ,  284 ,  285 ,  290 ,  291 ,  292 ,  293 ,  294 ,  295  for coupling the terminals  216 ,  218 , the bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264 , and top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  to one another. 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  240  also includes a first top winding layer portion  270 , a second top winding layer portion  271 , a third top winding layer portion  272 , a fourth top winding layer portion  273 , a fifth top winding layer portion  274 , and a sixth top winding layer portion  275  that are positioned in substantially the same direction as the bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264  of the first magnetic powder sheet  210 . These top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  are positioned in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  are also located on the upper surface  244  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  240 . Although the top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  are positioned in substantially the same direction as the bottom layer winding portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264 , there is a small angle formed between their directions so that they may be properly connected to one another. 
     Each of the top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  comprise two vias for coupling the top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275  to a respective bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264 , and to a respective terminal  216 ,  218 , which is described in detail below. 
     The top winding layer portions  270 ,  271 ,  272 ,  273 ,  274 ,  275 , the bottom winding layer portions  260 ,  261 ,  262 ,  263 ,  264 , and the terminals  216 ,  218  may be formed by any of the methods described above, which includes, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil. 
     Upon Ruining the first magnetic powder sheet  210  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  240 , the second magnetic sheet  220  and the third magnetic sheet  230  are placed between the first magnetic powder sheet  210  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  240 . The magnetic powder sheets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  are then pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  200 . After the sheets  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  have been pressed together, the vias  280 ,  281 ,  282 ,  283 ,  284 ,  285 ,  290 ,  291 ,  292 ,  293 ,  294 ,  295  are formed, in accordance to the description provided for  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . Additionally, a coating or epoxy (not shown) may be applied as an insulator layer to the upper surface  244  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  240 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The winding  250  forms a second winding configuration  255  having a horizontally oriented core  257 . The second winding configuration  255  starts at the first terminal  216 , then proceeds to the first top winding layer portion  270  through via  280 , then proceeds to the first bottom winding layer portion  260  through via  290 , then proceeds to the second top winding layer portion  271  through via  281 , then proceeds to the second bottom winding layer portion  261  through via  291 , then proceeds to the third top winding layer portion  272  through via  282 , then proceeds to the third bottom winding layer portion  262  through via  292 , then proceeds to the fourth top winding layer portion  273  through via  283 , then proceeds to the fourth bottom winding layer portion  263  through via  293 , then proceeds to the fifth top winding layer portion  274  through via  284 , then proceeds to the fifth bottom winding layer portion  264  through via  294 , then proceeds to the sixth top winding layer portion  275  through via  285 , then proceeds to the second terminal  218  through via  295 . In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     The miniature power inductor  200  is depicted as square shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts six top winding layer portions and five bottom winding layer portions, the number of top and bottom winding layer portions may increase or decrease depending upon application requirements, so long as that there is one more top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c , several views of a third illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  300  are shown.  FIG. 3   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a portion of a winding in the second winding configuration and at least one terminal located on a printed circuit board, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 3   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 3   c  illustrates a perspective view of the second winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     The miniature power inductor  300  shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  is similar to the miniature power inductor  200  shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  except that a first terminal  316 , a second terminal  318 , and a plurality of bottom winding layer portions  360 ,  361 ,  362 ,  363 ,  364  are now located on the upper surface  304  of a substrate  302 , instead of on the lower surface  312  of a first magnetic powder sheet  310 . To maintain a similar thickness and performance of the miniature power inductor, as shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , the first magnetic powder sheet  310  is utilized in the manufacturing of the miniature power inductor  300  and comprises a plurality of vias, similar to a second magnetic powder sheet  320  and a third magnetic powder sheet  330 . Thus, once the four magnetic powder sheets  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340  are laminated together, the miniature power inductor  300  is not completely formed until it is coupled to the substrate  302  having the proper terminals  316 ,  318  and the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  360 ,  361 ,  362 ,  363 ,  364 . The pressed magnetic powder sheets  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340  may be coupled to the substrate  302  in any known manner, including but not limited to soldering of each of the vias to the substrate  302 . According to this embodiment, the substrate  302  may include, but is not limited to, a printed circuit board and/or other substrates that are capable of having terminals and the plurality of bottom winding layer portions formed thereon. The manufacturing of the miniature power inductor  300  will have most, if not all, of the flexibilities of the miniature power inductor  200 , as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   c , several views of a fourth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  400  are shown.  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a plurality of windings in a third winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 4   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 4   c  illustrates a perspective view of the third winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 4   a  and  FIG. 4   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  400  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440  and a plurality of windings  450 ,  451 ,  452  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440  in a third winding configuration  455 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  400  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  410  having a lower surface  412  and an upper surface  414 , a second magnetic powder sheet  420  having a lower surface  422  and an upper surface  424 , a third magnetic powder sheet  430  having a lower surface  432  and an upper surface  434 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  440  having a lower surface  442  and an upper surface  444 . As previously mentioned, the exemplary magnetic powder sheets can be magnetic powder sheets manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet, and have the same characteristics as described above. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  410  also includes a first terminal  411 , a second terminal  413 , a third terminal  415 , a fourth terminal  416 , a fifth terminal  417 , and a sixth terminal  418 . There are two terminals for each winding  450 ,  451 ,  452 . The first terminal  411  and the second terminal  413  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . The third terminal  415  and the fourth terminal  416  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . The fifth terminal  417  and the sixth terminal  418  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . Additionally, the first terminal  411 , the third terminal  415 , and the fifth terminal  417  are positioned adjacent to one another and along one edge of the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 , while the second terminal  413 , the fourth terminal  416 , and the sixth terminal  418  are positioned adjacent to one another and along the opposing edge of the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . These terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  400  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  410  also includes a first bottom winding layer portion  460 , a second bottom winding layer portion  461 , and a third bottom winding layer portion  462  that are all positioned in substantially the same direction as the terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418  and on the lower surface  412  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . The first bottom winding layer portion  460  is positioned between the first terminal  411  and the second terminal  413  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The first bottom winding layer portion  460 , the first terminal  411 , and the second terminal  413  combine to form a portion of the first winding  450 . Additionally, the second bottom winding layer portion  461  is positioned between the third terminal  415  and the fourth terminal  416  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The second bottom winding layer portion  461 , the third terminal  415 , and the fourth terminal  416  combine to form a portion of the second winding  451 . Furthermore, the third bottom winding layer portion  462  is positioned between the fifth terminal  417  and the sixth terminal  418  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The third bottom winding layer portion  462 , the fifth terminal  417 , and the sixth terminal  418  combine to form a portion of the third winding  452 . 
     Each of the terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418  comprise a via  480 ,  482 ,  484 ,  491 ,  493 ,  495 , respectively for coupling the terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418  to one or more winding layers. Additionally, each of the bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462  comprise two vias for coupling the bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462  to a respective top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475 , which is described in detail below. As listed and previously mentioned, there is one additional top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion per winding. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  420  and the third magnetic powder sheet  430  comprise a plurality of vias  480 ,  481 ,  482 ,  483 ,  484 ,  485 ,  490 ,  491 ,  492 ,  493 ,  494 ,  495  for coupling the terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418 , the bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462 , and the top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  to one another. 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  440  also includes a first top winding layer portion  470 , a second top winding layer portion  471 , a third top winding layer portion  472 , a fourth top winding layer portion  473 , a fifth top winding layer portion  474 , and a sixth top winding layer portion  475  that are positioned in substantially the same direction as the bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462  of the first magnetic powder sheet  410 . These top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  are positioned in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  are also located on the upper surface  444  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  440 . Although the top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  are positioned in substantially the same direction as the bottom layer winding portions  460 ,  461 ,  462 , there is a small angle formed between their directions so that they may be properly connected to one another. 
     Each of the top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  comprise two vias for coupling the top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475  to a respective bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462 , and to a respective terminal  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418 , which is described in detail below. 
     The top winding layer portions  470 ,  471 ,  472 ,  473 ,  474 ,  475 , the bottom winding layer portions  460 ,  461 ,  462 , and the terminals  411 ,  413 ,  415 ,  416 ,  417 ,  418  may be formed by any of the methods described above, which includes, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  410  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  440 , the second magnetic sheet  420  and the third magnetic sheet  430  are placed between the first magnetic powder sheet  410  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  440 . The magnetic powder sheets  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440  are then pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  400 . After the sheets  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440  have been pressed together, the vias  480 ,  481 ,  482 ,  483 ,  484 ,  485 ,  490 ,  491 ,  492 ,  493 ,  494 ,  495  are formed, in accordance to the description provided for  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . Additionally, a coating or epoxy (not shown) may be applied as an insulator layer to the upper surface  444  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  440 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The windings  450 ,  451 ,  452  form a third winding configuration  455  having a horizontally oriented core  457 . The first winding  450  starts at the first terminal  411 , then proceeds to the first top winding layer portion  470  through via  480 , then proceeds to the first bottom winding layer portion  460  through via  490 , then proceeds to the second top winding layer portion  471  through via  481 , then proceeds to the second terminal  413  through via  491 , which then completes the first winding  450 . The second winding  451  starts at the third terminal  415 , then proceeds to the third top winding layer portion  472  through via  482 , then proceeds to the second bottom winding layer portion  461  through via  492 , then proceeds to the fourth top winding layer portion  473  through via  483 , then proceeds to the fourth terminal  416  through via  493 , which then completes the second winding  451 . The third winding  452  starts at the fifth terminal  417 , then proceeds to the fifth top winding layer portion  474  through via  484 , then proceeds to the third bottom winding layer portion  462  through via  494 , then proceeds to the sixth top winding layer portion  475  through via  485 , then proceeds to the sixth terminal  418  through via  495 , which then completes the third winding  452 . 
     Although three windings are depicted in this embodiment, greater or fewer windings may be formed without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the three windings may be mounted onto a substrate (not shown) or printed circuit board in a parallel arrangement or in a series arrangement depending upon the application and requirements that are needed. This flexibility allows this miniature power inductor  400  to be utilized as an inductor or as a transformer. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     The miniature power inductor  400  is depicted as square shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts two top winding layer portions and one bottom winding layer portion for each winding, the number of top and bottom winding layer portions may increase depending upon application requirements, so long as that there is one more top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion for each winding, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5   a - 5   b , several views of a fifth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  500  are shown.  FIG. 5   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a preformed coil and at least one magnetic powder sheet in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 5   b  illustrates a perspective transparent view of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 5   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  500  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  540  and at least one preformed coil  550  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  510 ,  520 ,  530 ,  540 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  500  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  510  having a lower surface  512  and an upper surface  514 , a second magnetic powder sheet  520  having a lower surface  522  and an upper surface  524 , a third magnetic powder sheet  530  having a lower surface  532  and an upper surface  534 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  540  having a lower surface  542  and an upper surface  544 . As previously mentioned, the exemplary magnetic powder sheets can be magnetic powder sheets manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet, and have the same characteristics as described above. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Moreover, although this embodiment depicts the use of one preformed coil, additional preformed coils may be used with the addition of more magnetic powder sheets by altering one or more of the terminations so that the more than one preformed coils may be positioned in parallel or in series, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  510  also includes a first terminal  516  and a second terminal  518  coupled to opposing longitudinal sides of the lower surface  512  of the first magnetic powder sheet  510 . According to this embodiment, the terminals  516 ,  518  extend the entire length of the longitudinal side. Although this embodiment depicts the terminals extending along the entire opposing longitudinal sides, the terminals may extend only a portion of the opposing longitudinal sides without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, these terminals  516 ,  518  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  500  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  520  also includes a third terminal  526  and a fourth terminal  528  coupled to opposing longitudinal sides of the lower surface  522  of the second magnetic powder sheet  520 . According to this embodiment, the terminals  526 ,  528  extend the entire length of the longitudinal side, similar to the terminals  516 ,  518  of the first magnetic powder sheet  510 . Although this embodiment depicts the terminals extending along the entire opposing longitudinal sides, the terminals may extend only a portion of the opposing longitudinal sides without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, these terminals  526 ,  528  may be used to couple the first terminal  516  and the second terminal  518  to the at least one preformed coil  550 . 
     The terminals  516 ,  518 ,  526 ,  528  may be formed by any of the methods described above, which includes, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil or etched copper trace. 
     Each of the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520  further include a plurality of vias  580 ,  581 ,  582 ,  583 ,  584 ,  590 ,  591 ,  592 ,  593 ,  594  extending from the upper surface  524  of the second magnetic powder sheet  520  to the lower surface  512  of the first magnetic powder sheet  510 . As shown in this embodiment, these plurality of vias  580 ,  581 ,  582 ,  583 ,  584 ,  590 ,  591 ,  592 ,  593 ,  594  are positioned on the terminals  516 ,  518 ,  526 ,  528  in a substantially linear pattern. There are five vias positioned along one of the edges of the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520 , and there are five vias positioned along the opposing edge of the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520 . Although five vias are shown along each of the opposing longitudinal edges, there may be greater or fewer vias without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although vias are used to couple first and second terminals  516 ,  518  to third and fourth terminals  526 ,  528 , alternative coupling may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. One such alternative coupling includes, but is not limited to, metal plating along at least a portion of the opposing side faces  517 ,  519 ,  527 ,  529  of both first magnetic powder sheet  510  and second magnetic powder sheet  520  and extending from the first and second terminals  516 ,  518  to the third and fourth terminals  526 ,  528 . Also, in some embodiments, the alternative coupling may include metal plating that extends the entire opposing side faces  517 ,  519 ,  527 ,  529  and also wraps around the opposing side faces  517 ,  519 ,  527 ,  529 . According to some embodiments, alternative coupling, such as the metal plating of the opposing side faces, may be used in addition to or in lieu of the vias; or alternatively, the vias may be used in addition to or in lieu of the alternative coupling, such as metal plating of the opposing side faces. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520 , the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520  are pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form a portion of the miniature power inductor  500 . After sheets  510 ,  520  have been pressed together, the vias  580 ,  581 ,  582 ,  583 ,  584 ,  590 ,  591 ,  592 ,  593 ,  594  are formed, in accordance to the description provided for  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . In place of forming the vias, other terminations may be made between the two sheets  510 ,  520  without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Once the first magnetic powder sheet  510  and the second magnetic powder sheet  520  are pressed together, a preformed winding or coil  550  having a first lead  552  and a second lead  554  may be positioned on the upper surface  524  of the second magnetic powder sheet  520 , where the first lead  552  is coupled to either the third terminal  526  or the fourth terminal  528  and the second lead is coupled to the other terminal  526 ,  528 . The preformed winding  550  may be coupled to the terminals  526 ,  528  via welding other known coupling methods. The third magnetic powder sheet  530  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  540  may then be pressed together along with the previously pressed portion of the miniature power inductor  500  to form the completed miniature power inductor  500 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     Although there are no magnetic sheets shown between the first and second magnetic powder sheets, magnetic sheets may positioned between the first and second magnetic powder sheets so long as there remains an electrical connection between the terminals of the first and second magnetic powder sheets without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although two magnetic powder sheets are shown to be positioned above the preformed coil, greater or fewer sheets may be used to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     The miniature power inductor  500  is depicted as a rectangular shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to square, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c , several views of a sixth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  600  are shown.  FIG. 6   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a plurality of windings in a fourth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a plurality of horizontally oriented core areas in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 6   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6   c  illustrates a perspective view of the fourth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  600  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640  and a plurality of windings  650 ,  651 ,  652  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640  in a fourth winding configuration  655 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  600  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  610  having a lower surface  612  and an upper surface  614 , a second magnetic powder sheet  620  having a lower surface  622  and an upper surface  624 , a third magnetic powder sheet  630  having a lower surface  632  and an upper surface  634 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  640  having a lower surface  642  and an upper surface  644 . As previously mentioned, the exemplary magnetic powder sheets can be magnetic powder sheets manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet, and have the same characteristics as described above. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any suitable flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  610  also includes a first terminal  611 , a second terminal  613 , a third terminal  615 , a fourth terminal  616 , a fifth terminal  617 , and a sixth terminal  618 . There are two terminals for each winding  650 ,  651 ,  652 . The first terminal  611  and the second terminal  613  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . The third terminal  615  and the fourth terminal  616  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . The fifth terminal  617  and the sixth terminal  618  are coupled to opposing sides of the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . Additionally, the first terminal  611 , the third terminal  615 , and the fifth terminal  617  are positioned adjacent to one another and along one edge of the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 , while the second terminal  613 , the fourth terminal  616 , and the sixth terminal  618  are positioned adjacent to one another and along the opposing edge of the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . These terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  600  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  610  also includes a first bottom winding layer portion  660 , a second bottom winding layer portion  661 , a third bottom winding layer portion  662 , a fourth bottom winding layer portion  663 , a fifth bottom winding layer portion  664 , and a sixth bottom winding layer portion  665  that are all positioned in substantially the same direction as the terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618  and on the lower surface  612  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . The first bottom winding layer portion  660  and the second bottom winding layer portion  661  are positioned between the first terminal  611  and the second terminal  613  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The first terminal  611 , the first bottom winding layer portion  660 , the second bottom winding layer portion  661 , and the second terminal  613  are positioned in a substantially linear pattern and in that order. The first terminal  611 , the first bottom winding layer portion  660 , the second bottom winding layer portion  661 , and the second terminal  613  combine to form a portion of the first winding  650 . Additionally, the third bottom winding layer portion  662  and the fourth bottom winding layer portion  663  are positioned between the third terminal  615  and the fourth terminal  616  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The third terminal  615 , the third bottom winding layer portion  662 , the fourth bottom winding layer portion  663 , and the fourth terminal  616  are positioned in a substantially linear pattern and in that order. The third terminal  615 , the third bottom winding layer portion  662 , the fourth bottom winding layer portion  663 , and the fourth terminal  616  combine to form a portion of the second winding  651 . Furthermore, the fifth bottom winding layer portion  664  and the sixth bottom winding layer portion  665  are positioned between the fifth terminal  617  and the sixth terminal  618  and in a non-contacting relationship to one another. The fifth terminal  617 , the fifth bottom winding layer portion  664 , the sixth bottom winding layer portion  665 , and the sixth terminal  618  are positioned in a substantially linear pattern and in that order. The fifth terminal  617 , the fifth bottom winding layer portion  664 , the sixth bottom winding layer portion  665 , and the sixth terminal  618  combine to form a portion of the third winding  652 . 
     Each of the terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618  comprise a via  680 ,  685 ,  686 ,  691 ,  692 ,  697 , respectively for coupling the terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618  to one or more winding layers. Additionally, each of the bottom winding layer portions  660 ,  661 ,  662 ,  663 ,  664 ,  665  comprise two vias for coupling the bottom winding layer portions  660 ,  661 ,  662 ,  663 ,  664 ,  665  to a top winding layer portion  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  which is described in detail below. As listed and previously mentioned, there is one additional top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion per winding. Although the vias are shown to be rectangular, other geometric shapes, including but not limited to circular shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  620  and the third magnetic powder sheet  630  comprise a plurality of vias  680 ,  681 ,  682 ,  683 ,  684 ,  685 ,  686 ,  687 ,  688 ,  689 ,  690 ,  691 ,  692 ,  693 ,  694 ,  695 ,  696 ,  697  for coupling the terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618 , the bottom winding layer portions  660 ,  661 ,  662 ,  663 ,  664 ,  665 , and the top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  to one another. 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  640  also includes a first top winding layer portion  670 , a second top winding layer portion  671 , a third top winding layer portion  672 , a fourth top winding layer portion  673 , a fifth top winding layer portion  674 , a sixth top winding layer portion  675 , a seventh top winding layer portion  676 , an eighth top winding layer portion  677 , and a ninth top winding layer portion  678  that are positioned in substantially the same direction as the bottom winding layer portions  660 ,  661 ,  662 ,  663 ,  664 ,  665  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610 . These top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  are positioned in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  are also located on the upper surface  644  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  640 . The first top winding layer portion  670 , the second top winding layer portion  671 , and the third top winding layer portion  672  are positioned overlying the gaps formed between the first terminal  611 , the first bottom winding layer portion  660 , the second bottom winding layer portion  661 , and the second terminal  613  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610  and in an overlapping relationship. Additionally, the fourth top winding layer portion  673 , the fifth top winding layer portion  674 , and the sixth top winding layer portion  675  are positioned overlying the gaps formed between the third terminal  615 , the third bottom winding layer portion  662 , the fourth bottom winding layer portion  663 , and the fourth terminal  616  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610  and in an overlapping relationship. Furthermore, the seventh top winding layer portion  676 , the eighth top winding layer portion  677 , and the ninth top winding layer portion  678  are positioned overlying the gaps formed between the fifth terminal  617 , the fifth bottom winding layer portion  664 , the sixth bottom winding layer portion  665 , and the sixth terminal  618  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610  and in an overlapping relationship. 
     Each of the top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  comprise two vias for coupling the top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678  to a respective bottom winding layer portions  660 ,  661 ,  662 ,  663 ,  664 ,  665 , and to a respective terminal  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618 , which is described in detail below. 
     The top winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678 , the bottom winding layer portions  670 ,  671 ,  672 ,  673 ,  674 ,  675 ,  676 ,  677 ,  678 , and the terminals  611 ,  613 ,  615 ,  616 ,  617 ,  618  may be formed by any of the methods described above, which includes, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  610  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  640 , the second magnetic sheet  620  and the third magnetic sheet  630  are placed between the first magnetic powder sheet  610  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  640 . The magnetic powder sheets  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640  are then pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  600 . After the sheets  610 ,  620 ,  630 ,  640  have been pressed together, the vias  680 ,  681 ,  682 ,  683 ,  684 ,  685 ,  686 ,  687 ,  688 ,  689 ,  690 ,  691 ,  692 ,  693 ,  694 ,  695 ,  696 ,  697  are formed, in accordance to the description provided for  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . Additionally, a coating or epoxy (not shown) may be applied as an insulator layer to the upper surface  644  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  640 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The windings  650 ,  651 ,  652  form a fourth winding configuration  655  having a plurality of horizontally oriented cores  657 ,  658 ,  659 . The first winding  650  starts at the first terminal  611 , then proceeds to the first top winding layer portion  670  through via  680 , then proceeds to the first bottom winding layer portion  660  through via  681 , then proceeds to the second top winding layer portion  671  through via  682 , then proceeds to the second bottom winding layer portion  661  through via  683 , then proceeds to the third top winding layer  672  through via  684 , and then proceeds to the second terminal  613  through via  685 , which then completes the first winding  650 . The second winding  651  starts at the third terminal  615 , then proceeds to the fourth top winding layer portion  673  through via  686 , then proceeds to the third bottom winding layer portion  662  through via  687 , then proceeds to the fifth top winding layer portion  674  through via  688 , then proceeds to the fourth bottom winding layer portion  663  through via  689 , then proceeds to the sixth top winding layer  675  through via  690 , and then proceeds to the fourth terminal  616  through via  691 , which then completes the second winding  651 . The third winding  652  starts at the fifth terminal  617 , then proceeds to the seventh top winding layer portion  676  through via  692 , then proceeds to the fifth bottom winding layer portion  664  through via  693 , then proceeds to the eighth top winding layer portion  677  through via  694 , then proceeds to the sixth bottom winding layer portion  665  through via  695 , then proceeds to the ninth top winding layer  678  through via  696 , and then proceeds to the sixth terminal  618  through via  697 , which then completes the second winding  652 . 
     Although three windings are depicted in this embodiment, greater or fewer windings may be formed without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the three windings may be mounted onto a substrate (not shown) or printed circuit board in a parallel arrangement or in a series arrangement depending upon the application and requirements that are needed. This flexibility allows this miniature power inductor  600  to be utilized as an inductor, a multi-phase inductor, or as a transformer. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     The miniature power inductor  600  is depicted as a rectangular shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to square, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts three top winding layer portions and two bottom winding layer portion for each winding, the number of top and bottom winding layer portions may increase or decrease depending upon application requirements, so long as that there is one more top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion for each winding, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c , several views of a seventh illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  700  are shown.  FIG. 7   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a fifth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a plurality of horizontally oriented core areas in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 7   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 7   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 7   c  illustrates a perspective view of the fifth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     The miniature power inductor  700  shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c  is similar to the miniature power inductor  600  shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  except that the three windings  650 ,  651 ,  652  shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  are now a single winding  750  as shown in  FIGS. 7   a - 7   c . This modification may occur by replacing the second terminal  613  and the fourth terminal  616  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610  with a seventh bottom winding layer portion  766  that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the remaining bottom winding layers  760 ,  761 ,  762 ,  763 ,  764 ,  765 . The seventh bottom winding layer portion  766  may be a length sufficient to overlap the width of two bottom winding layer portions and the gap formed between the two adjacent bottom winding layer portions. Additionally, the third terminal  615  and the fifth terminal  617  of the first magnetic powder sheet  610  (as shown in  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c ) may be replaced with an eighth bottom winding layer portion  767  that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the remaining bottom winding layers  760 ,  761 ,  762 ,  763 ,  764 ,  765 . The eighth bottom winding layer portion  767  also may be a length sufficient to overlap the width of two bottom winding layer portions and the gap formed between the two adjacent bottom winding layer portions. With these modifications, the multi-phase inductor of  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c  may be transformed into a single phase inductor. 
     The winding  750  form a fifth winding configuration  755  having a plurality of horizontally oriented cores  757 ,  758 ,  759 . The winding  750  starts at the first terminal  711 , then proceeds to the first top winding layer portion  770  through via  780 , then proceeds to the first bottom winding layer portion  760  through via  781 , then proceeds to the second top winding layer portion  771  through via  782 , then proceeds to the second bottom winding layer portion  761  through via  783 , then proceeds to the third top winding layer  772  through via  784 , then proceeds to the seventh bottom winding layer portion  766  through via  785 , then proceeds to the sixth top winding layer portion  775  through via  791 , then proceeds to the fourth bottom winding layer portion  763  through via  790 , then proceeds to the fifth top winding layer portion  774  through via  789 , then proceeds to the third bottom winding layer portion  762  through via  788 , then proceeds to the fourth top winding layer  773  through via  787 , then proceeds to the eighth bottom winding layer portion  767  through via  786 , then proceeds to the seventh top winding layer portion  776  through via  792 , then proceeds to the fifth bottom winding layer portion  764  through via  793 , then proceeds to the eighth top winding layer portion  777  through via  794 , then proceeds to the sixth bottom winding layer portion  765  through via  795 , then proceeds to the ninth top winding layer  778  through via  796 , and then proceeds to the second terminal  713  through via  797 , which then completes the winding  750 . Thus, the pattern illustrated in this embodiment is serpentine; although, other patterns may be formed without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The manufacturing of the miniature power inductor  700  will have most, if not all, of the flexibilities of the miniature power inductor  600 , as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 6   a - 6   c.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 8   a - 8   c , several views of an eighth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  800  are shown.  FIG. 8   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a winding in a sixth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a vertically oriented core area and a circularly oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 8   b  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 8   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 8   c  illustrates a perspective view of the sixth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 8   a  and  FIG. 8   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  800  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840  and a winding  850  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840  in a sixth winding configuration  855 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  800  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  810  having a lower surface  812  and an upper surface  814 , a second magnetic powder sheet  820  having a lower surface  822  and an upper surface  824 , a third magnetic powder sheet  830  having a lower surface  832  and an upper surface  834 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  840  having a lower surface  842  and an upper surface  844 . As previously mentioned, the exemplary magnetic powder sheets can be magnetic powder sheets manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet, and have the same characteristics as described above. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  810  has a first cutout  802  and a second cutout  804  positioned at adjacent corners of the first magnetic powder sheet  810 . The first magnetic powder sheet  810  also includes a first terminal  816  extending from the first cutout  802  towards a first non-cutout corner  806  and coupled to a longitudinal side of the lower surface  812  of the first magnetic powder sheet  810 . The first magnetic powder sheet  810  also includes a second terminal  818  extending from the second cutout  804  towards a second non-cutout corner  808  and coupled to an opposing longitudinal side of the lower surface  812  of the first magnetic powder sheet  810 . Although this embodiment depicts the terminals extending the entire longitudinal side of the lower surface of the first magnetic powder sheet, the terminals may extend only a portion of the longitudinal side without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although the terminals are shown to extend on opposing longitudinal sides, the terminals may extend a portion of the adjacent longitudinal sides without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. These terminals  816 ,  818  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  800  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  810  also includes a plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  that are all positioned to form a substantially circular pattern having an inner circumference  862  and an outer circumference  864 . The plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  extend from the inner circumference  862  to the outer circumference  864  at a slight angle from the shortest path from the inner circumference  862  to the outer circumference  864 . The terminals  816 ,  818  and the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  are positioned in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  are also located on the lower surface  812  of the first magnetic powder sheet  810 . 
     Each of the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  comprise two vias for coupling each of the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  to each of two adjacent plurality of top winding layer portions  870 , which is described in detail below. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  820  and the third magnetic powder sheet  830  comprise the first cutout  802  and the second cutout  804 , similar to the first magnetic powder sheet  810 , and a plurality of vias  880  for coupling the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  to the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  and the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  to the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  and each of the terminals  816 ,  818 . The plurality of vias  880  correspond in position and location to the vias formed in the first magnetic powder sheet  810 . 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  840  also includes the first cutout  802  and the second cutout  804 , similar to the other magnetic powder sheets  810 ,  820 ,  830 , and a plurality of top winding layer portions  870  that are all positioned to form a substantially circular pattern having an inner circumference  866  and an outer circumference  868 . The plurality of top winding layer portions  870  extend from the inner circumference  866  to the outer circumference  868  according to the shortest path from the inner circumference  866  to the outer circumference  868 . The plurality of top winding layer portions  870  are positioned in a non-contacting relationship to one another. These plurality of top winding layer portions  870  are also located on the upper surface  844  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  840 . The first cut out  802  and the second cutout  804  of each of the magnetic powder sheets  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840  are metallized to facilitate an electrical connection between one of the plurality of top winding layer portion  870  and a respective terminal  816 ,  818 . 
     Although the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  are positioned in substantially the same direction as the plurality of bottom layer winding portions  860 , there is a small angle formed between their directions so that they may be properly connected to one another. It is possible that the orientations of the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  and the plurality of bottom layer portions  860  may be reversed or slightly altered without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Each of the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  comprise two vias for coupling the plurality of top winding layer portions  870  to the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  and to the terminals  816 ,  818 . 
     The plurality of top winding layer portions  870 , the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860 , and the terminals  816 ,  818  may be formed by any of the methods described above, which includes, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  810  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  840 , the second magnetic sheet  820  and the third magnetic sheet  830  are placed between the first magnetic powder sheet  810  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  840 . The magnetic powder sheets  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840  are then pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  800 . After the sheets  810 ,  820 ,  830 ,  840  have been pressed together, the plurality of vias  880  are formed, in accordance to the description provided for  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . Additionally, a coating or epoxy (not shown) may be applied as an insulator layer to the upper surface  844  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  840 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The winding  850  forms a sixth winding configuration  855  having a vertically oriented core area  857  and a circularly oriented core area  859 . The sixth winding configuration  855  starts at the first terminal  816 , then proceeds to one of the plurality of top winding layer portion  870  through the metallized first cutout  802 , then proceeds alternating through each of the plurality of bottom winding layer portions  860  and the plurality of top winding portions  870  through the plurality of vias  880  until the circular pattern is completed at one of the plurality of top winding layer portion  870 . The sixth winding configuration  855  then proceeds to the second terminal  818  through the metallized second cutout  804 . In this embodiment, the magnetic field created in the vertically oriented core area  857  may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. Additionally, the magnetic field created in the circularly oriented core area  859  may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. Although the pattern is shown to be circular or toroidal, the pattern may be any geometric shape, including but not limited to rectangular, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The miniature power inductor  800  is depicted as square shape. However, other geometrical shapes, including but not limited to rectangular, circular, or elliptical shapes, may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts twenty top winding layer portions and nineteen bottom winding layer portions, the number of top and bottom winding layer portions may increase or decrease depending upon application requirements, so long as that there is one more top winding layer portion than bottom winding layer portion, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although a one turn winding is depicted in this embodiment, more than one turn may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d , several views of a ninth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  900  are shown.  FIG. 9   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn winding in a seventh winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 9   d  illustrates a perspective view of the seventh winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 9   a ,  FIG. 9   b , and  FIG. 9   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  900  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  910 ,  920 ,  930 ,  940  and a winding  950  coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  910 ,  920 ,  930 ,  940  in a seventh winding configuration  955 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  900  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  910  having a lower surface  912  and an upper surface  914 , a second magnetic powder sheet  920  having a lower surface  922  and an upper surface  924 , a third magnetic powder sheet  930  having a lower surface  932  and an upper surface  934 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  940  having a lower surface  942  and an upper surface  944 . In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet can be a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The first magnetic powder sheet  910  also includes a first terminal  916  and a second terminal  918  coupled to opposing longitudinal edges of the lower surface  912  of the first magnetic powder sheet  910 . These terminals  916 ,  918  may be used to couple the miniature power inductor  900  to an electrical circuit, which may be on a printed circuit board (not shown), for example. Each of the terminals  916 ,  918  also comprises a via  980 ,  981  for coupling the terminals  916 ,  918  to one or more winding layers, which will be further discussed below. The vias  980 ,  981  are conductive connectors which proceed from the terminals  916 ,  918  on the lower surface  912  to the upper surface  914  of the first magnetic powder sheet  910 . The vias may be folioed by drilling a hole or slot through the magnetic powder sheets and plating the inner circumference of the drilled hole or slot with conductive material. Alternatively, a conductive pin may be placed into the drilled holes to establish the conductive connections in the vias. Although the vias are shown to be rectangular in shape, the vias may be a different geometric shape, for example, circular, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, a portion of the inductor is formed and pressed before drilling the vias. The remaining portion of the inductor is formed and/or pressed subsequent to forming the vias. Although the vias are shown to be formed at an intermediate manufacturing step, the vias may be formed upon complete formation of the inductor without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although the terminals are shown to be coupled to opposing longitudinal edges, the terminals may be coupled at alternative locations on the lower surface of the first magnetic powder sheet without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although each terminal is shown to have one via, additional vias may be formed in each of the terminals without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The second magnetic powder sheet  920  has a winding layer  925  coupled to the upper surface  924  of the second magnetic powder sheet  920 . The winding layer  925  is formed substantially across the center of the upper surface  924  of the second magnetic powder sheet  920  and extends from one edge to an opposing edge of the second magnetic powder sheet  920 . The winding layer  925  also is oriented in a longitudinal direction such that when the first magnetic powder sheet  910  is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  920 , the winding layer  925  is positioned substantially perpendicular to the orientation of terminals  916 ,  918 . The winding layer  925  forms the winding  950  and is coupled to the terminal  916 ,  918  through the vias  980 ,  981 . Although one winding or 1-turn is shown to be coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet in this embodiment, there may be more than one winding coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet, either in parallel or in series, depending upon the application and the requirements without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The additional windings may be coupled in series or in parallel by modifying the vias and the terminals at the lower surface of the first magnetic powder sheet and/or modifying the trace on the substrate or printed circuit board. 
     The winding layer  925  is formed from a conductive copper layer which is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  920 . This conductive copper layer may include, but is not limited to, a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or a preformed coil without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The etched copper trace may be formed, but is not limited to, photolithography techniques or by laser etching techniques. As shown in this embodiment, the winding layer is a rectangular-shaped linear pattern. However, other patterns may be used to form the winding without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although copper is used as the conductive material, other conductive materials may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, the terminals  916 ,  918  may also be formed using a stamped copper foil, an etched copper trace, or by any other suitable method. 
     The third magnetic powder sheet  930 , according to this embodiment, may include a first indentation  936  on the lower surface  932  and a first extraction  938  on the upper surface  934  of the third magnetic powder sheet  930 , wherein the first indentation  936  and the first extraction  938  extend substantially along the center of the third magnetic powder sheet  930  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The first indentation  936  and the first extraction  938  are oriented in a manner such that when the third magnetic powder sheet  930  is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  920 , the first indentation  936  and the first extraction  938  extend in the same direction as the winding layer  925 . The first indentation  936  is designed to encapsulate the winding layer  925 . 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  940 , according to this embodiment, may include a second indentation  946  on the lower surface  942  and a second extraction  948  on the upper surface  944  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  940 , wherein the second indentation  946  and the second extraction  948  extend substantially along the center of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  940  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The second indentation  946  and the second extraction  948  are oriented in a manner such that when the fourth magnetic powder sheet  940  is coupled to the third magnetic powder sheet  930 , the second indentation  946  and the second extraction  948  extend in the same direction as the first indentation  936  and the first extraction  938 . The second indentation  946  is designed to encapsulate the first extraction  938 . Although this embodiment depicts an indentation and an extraction in the third and fourth magnetic powder sheets, the indentation or extraction formed in these sheets may be omitted without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  910  and the second magnetic powder sheet  920 , the first magnetic powder sheet  910  and the second magnetic powder sheet  920  are pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form a first portion  990  of the miniature power inductor  900 . After sheets  910 ,  920  have been pressed together, the vias  980 ,  981  are formed, in accordance to the description provided above. In place of forming the vias, other terminations, including but not limited plating and etching of at least a portion of the side faces of the first portion of the miniature power inductor  900 , may be made between the two sheets  910 ,  920  without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. The third magnetic powder sheet  930  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  940  may also be pressed together to form a second portion  992  of the miniature power inductor  900 . The first and second portion  990 ,  992  of the miniature power inductor  900  may then be pressed together to form the completed miniature power inductor  900 . According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     Although there are no magnetic sheets shown between the first and second magnetic powder sheets, magnetic sheets may positioned between the first and second magnetic powder sheets so long as there remains an electrical connection between the terminals of the first and second magnetic powder sheets without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although two magnetic powder sheets are shown to be positioned above the winding layer  925 , greater or fewer sheets may be used to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10   a - 10   d , several views of a tenth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  1000  are shown.  FIG. 10   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a two turn winding in an eighth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 10   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 10   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 10   d  illustrates a perspective view of the eighth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 10   a ,  FIG. 10   b , and  FIG. 10   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     The miniature power inductor  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10   a - 10   d  is similar to the miniature power inductor  900  shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d  except that this miniature power inductor  1000  embodies a two turn embodiment. Specifically, the first terminal  916  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into two distinct terminals, thus forming a first terminal  1016  and a third terminal  1018 . Additionally, the second terminal  918  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into two distinct terminals, thus forming a second terminal  1017  and a fourth terminal  1019 . Further, the winding layer  925  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into two distinct winding layers, a first winding layer  1025  and a second winding layer  1027 . The first winding layer  1025  is coupled to the first terminal  1016  and the second terminal  1017 . The second winding layer  1027  is coupled to the third terminal  1018  and the fourth terminal  1019 . This process may be performed by etching the first terminal  916 , the second terminal  918 , and the winding layer  925  of the miniature power inductor  900  through the middle of each. Also, a plurality of vias  1080 ,  1081 ,  1082 ,  1083  are now formed through each of the first terminal  1016 , the second terminal  1017 , the third terminal  1018 , and the fourth terminal  1019 , which results in two vias for each of the winding layers. 
     The manufacturing of the miniature power inductor  1000  will have most, if not all, of the flexibilities of the miniature power inductor  900 , as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d . Also, instead of utilizing the vias, a different method may be used to couple the windings to the terminals, including, but not limited to, metallizing the corresponding portions of the face ends of the miniature power inductor  1000 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11   a - 11   d , several views of an eleventh illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  1100  are shown.  FIG. 11   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a three turn winding in a ninth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 11   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 11   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 11   d  illustrates a perspective view of the ninth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 11   a ,  FIG. 11   b , and  FIG. 11   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     The miniature power inductor  1100  shown in  FIGS. 11   a - 11   d  is similar to the miniature power inductor  900  shown in  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d  except that this miniature power inductor  1100  embodies a three turn embodiment. Specifically, the first terminal  916  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into three distinct terminals, thus forming a first terminal  1116 , a third terminal  1118 , and a fifth terminal  1111 . Additionally, the second terminal  918  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into three distinct terminals, thus forming a second terminal  1117 , a fourth terminal  1119 , and a sixth terminal  1113 . Further, the winding layer  925  of the miniature power inductor  900  has been divided into three distinct winding layers, a first winding layer  1125 , a second winding layer  1127 , and a third winding layer  1129 . The first winding layer  1125  is coupled to the first terminal  1116  and the second terminal  1117 . The second winding layer  1127  is coupled to the third terminal  1118  and the fourth terminal  1119 . The third winding layer  1129  is coupled to the fifth terminal  1111  and the sixth terminal  1113 . This process may be performed by etching the first terminal  916 , the second terminal  918 , and the winding layer  925  of the miniature power inductor  900  through into three substantially equal portions. Also, a plurality of vias  1180 ,  1181 ,  1182 ,  1183 ,  1184 ,  1185  are now formed through each of the first terminal  1116 , the second terminal  1117 , the third terminal  1118 , the fourth terminal  1119 , the fifth terminal  1111 , and the sixth terminal  1113 , which results in two vias for each of the winding layers. 
     The manufacturing of the miniature power inductor  1100  will have most, if not all, of the flexibilities of the miniature power inductor  900 , as illustrated and described with respect to  FIGS. 9   a - 9   d . Also, instead of utilizing the vias, a different method may be used to couple the windings to the terminals, including, but not limited to, metallizing the corresponding portions of the face ends of the miniature power inductor  1100 . Additionally, although a three turn embodiment is illustrated herein, greater than three turns may be formed without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12   a - 12   d , several views of a twelfth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  1200  are shown.  FIG. 12   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn clip winding in a tenth winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 12   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 12   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 12   d  illustrates a perspective view of the tenth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 12   a ,  FIG. 12   b , and  FIG. 12   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1200  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  and a winding  1250 , which may be in the form of a clip, coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  1210 ,  1220 ,  1230 ,  1240  in a tenth winding configuration  1255 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1200  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  1210  having a lower surface  1212  and an upper surface (not shown), a second magnetic powder sheet  1220  having a lower surface (not shown) and an upper surface  1224 , a third magnetic powder sheet  1230  having a lower surface  1232  and an upper surface  1234 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240  having a lower surface  1242  and an upper surface  1244 . In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet can be a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The third magnetic powder sheet  1230 , according to this embodiment, may include a first indentation  1236  on the lower surface  1232  and a first extraction  1238  on the upper surface  1234  of the third magnetic powder sheet  1230 , wherein the first indentation  1236  and the first extraction  1238  extend substantially along the center of the third magnetic powder sheet  1230  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The first indentation  1236  and the first extraction  1238  are oriented in a manner such that when the third magnetic powder sheet  1230  is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  1220 , the first indentation  1236  and the first extraction  1238  extend in the same direction as the winding  1250 . The first indentation  1236  is designed to encapsulate the winding  1250 . 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240 , according to this embodiment, may include a second indentation  1246  on the lower surface  1242  and a second extraction  1248  on the upper surface  1244  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240 , wherein the second indentation  1246  and the second extraction  1248  extend substantially along the center of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The second indentation  1246  and the second extraction  1248  are oriented in a manner such that when the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240  is coupled to the third magnetic powder sheet  1230 , the second indentation  1246  and the second extraction  1248  extend in the same direction as the first indentation  1236  and the first extraction  1238 . The second indentation  1246  is designed to encapsulate the first extraction  1238 . Although this embodiment depicts an indentation and an extraction in the third and fourth magnetic powder sheets, the indentation or extraction folioed in these sheets may be omitted without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  1210  and the second magnetic powder sheet  1220 , the first magnetic powder sheet  1210  and the second magnetic powder sheet  1220  are pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form a first portion  1290  of the miniature power inductor  1200 . Also, the third magnetic powder sheet  1230  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1240  may also be pressed together to form a second portion  1292  of the miniature power inductor  1200 . According to this embodiment, the clip  1250  is placed on the upper surface  1224  of the first portion  1290  of the miniature power inductor  1200  such that the clip extends a distance beyond both sides of the first portion  1290 . This distance is equal to or greater than the height of the first portion  1290  of the miniature power inductor  1200 . Once the clip  1250  is properly positioned on the upper surface  1224  of the first portion  1290 , the second portion  1292  is placed on top of the first portion  1290 . The first and second portions  1290 ,  1292  of the miniature power inductor  1200  may then be pressed together to form the completed miniature power inductor  1200 . The portions of the clip  1250 , which extend beyond both edges of the miniature power inductor  1200 , may be bent around the first portion  1290  to form the first termination  1216  and the second termination  1218 . These terminations  1216 ,  1218  allow the miniature power inductor  1200  to be properly coupled to a substrate or printed circuit board. According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The winding  1250  is formed from a conductive copper layer, which may be deformed to provide a desired geometry. Although a conductive copper material is used in this embodiment, any conductive material may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Although only one clip is used in this embodiment, additional clips may be used adjacent the first clip and foisted in the same manner as described for the first clip without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although the clips may be formed parallel to one another, they may be utilized in series depending upon the trace configuration of the substrate. 
     Although there are no magnetic sheets shown between the first and second magnetic powder sheets, magnetic sheets may positioned between the first and second magnetic powder sheets so long as the winding is of sufficient length to adequately form the terminals for the miniature power inductor without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although two magnetic powder sheets are shown to be positioned above the winding  1250 , greater or fewer sheets may be used to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13   a - 13   d , several views of a thirteenth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  1300  are shown.  FIG. 13   a  illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a three turn clip winding in an eleventh winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 13   b  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a  during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 13   c  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 13   d  illustrates a perspective view of the eleventh winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 13   a ,  FIG. 13   b , and  FIG. 13   c  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1300  comprises at least one magnetic powder sheet  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1340  and a plurality of windings  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354 , which each may be in the form of a clip, coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet  1310 ,  1320 ,  1330 ,  1340  in an eleventh winding configuration  1355 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1300  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  1310  having a lower surface  1312  and an upper surface (not shown), a second magnetic powder sheet  1320  having a lower surface (not shown) and an upper surface  1324 , a third magnetic powder sheet  1330  having a lower surface  1332  and an upper surface  1334 , and a fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340  having a lower surface  1342  and an upper surface  1344 . In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet can be a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     The third magnetic powder sheet  1330 , according to this embodiment, may include a first indentation  1336  on the lower surface  1332  and a first extraction  1338  on the upper surface  1334  of the third magnetic powder sheet  1330 , wherein the first indentation  1336  and the first extraction  1338  extend substantially along the center of the third magnetic powder sheet  1330  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The first indentation  1336  and the first extraction  1338  are oriented in a manner such that when the third magnetic powder sheet  1330  is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet  1320 , the first indentation  1336  and the first extraction  1338  extend in the same direction as the plurality of windings  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354 . The first indentation  1336  is designed to encapsulate the plurality of windings  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354 . 
     The fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340 , according to this embodiment, may include a second indentation  1346  on the lower surface  1342  and a second extraction  1348  on the upper surface  1344  of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340 , wherein the second indentation  1346  and the second extraction  1348  extend substantially along the center of the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340  and from one edge to an opposing edge. The second indentation  1346  and the second extraction  1348  are oriented in a manner such that when the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340  is coupled to the third magnetic powder sheet  1330 , the second indentation  1346  and the second extraction  1348  extend in the same direction as the first indentation  1336  and the first extraction  1338 . The second indentation  1346  is designed to encapsulate the first extraction  1338 . Although this embodiment depicts an indentation and an extraction in the third and fourth magnetic powder sheets, the indentation or extraction formed in these sheets may be omitted without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  1310  and the second magnetic powder sheet  1320 , the first magnetic powder sheet  1310  and the second magnetic powder sheet  1320  are pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to foist a first portion  1390  of the miniature power inductor  1300 . Also, the third magnetic powder sheet  1330  and the fourth magnetic powder sheet  1340  may also be pressed together to form a second portion (not shown) of the miniature power inductor  1300 . According to this embodiment, the plurality of clips  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354  are placed on the upper surface  1324  of the first portion  1390  of the miniature power inductor  1300  such that the plurality of clips extend a distance beyond both sides of the first portion  1390 . This distance is equal to or greater than the height of the first portion  1390  of the miniature power inductor  1300 . Once the plurality of clips  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354  are properly positioned on the upper surface  1324  of the first portion  1390 , the second portion (not shown) is placed on top of the first portion  1390 . The first and second portions  1390 , (not shown) of the miniature power inductor  1300  may then be pressed together to form the completed miniature power inductor  1300 . The portions of the plurality of clips  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354 , which extend beyond both edges of the miniature power inductor  1300 , may be bent around the first portion  1390  to form the first termination  1316 , the second termination  1318 , the third termination  1317 , the fourth termination  1319 , the fifth termination  1311 , and the sixth termination  1313 . These terminations  1311 ,  1313 ,  1316 ,  1317 ,  1318 ,  1319  allow the miniature power inductor  1300  to be properly coupled to a substrate or printed circuit board. According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The plurality of windings  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354  is formed from a conductive copper layer, which may be deformed to provide a desired geometry. Although a conductive copper material is used in this embodiment, any conductive material may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Although only three clips are shown in this embodiment, greater or fewer clips may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although the clips are shown in a parallel configuration, the clips may be used in series depending upon the trace configuration of the substrate. 
     Although there are no magnetic sheets shown between the first and second magnetic powder sheets, magnetic sheets may positioned between the first and second magnetic powder sheets so long as the winding is of sufficient length to adequately form the terminals for the miniature power inductor without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although two magnetic powder sheets are shown to be positioned above the plurality of windings  1350 ,  1352 ,  1354 , greater or fewer sheets may be used to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14   a - 14   c , several views of a fourteenth illustrative embodiment of a magnetic component or device  1400  are shown.  FIG. 14   a  illustrates a perspective view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a one turn clip winding in a twelfth winding configuration, a rolled magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 14   b  illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 14   a  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 14   c  illustrates a perspective view of the twelfth winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in  FIG. 14   a  and  FIG. 14   b  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
     According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1400  comprises a rolled magnetic powder sheet  1410  and a winding  1450 , which may be in the form of a clip, coupled to the rolled magnetic powder sheet  1410  in a twelfth winding configuration  1455 . As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor  1400  comprises a first magnetic powder sheet  1410  having a lower surface  1412  and an upper surface  1414 . In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet can be a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet with a desired length, the desired length may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet  1410 , the clip  1450  is placed on the upper surface  1414  of the first magnetic powder sheet  1410  such that the clip  1410  extends a distance beyond both sides of the first magnetic powder sheet  1410  and one edge of the clip  1450  is aligned with an edge of the first magnetic powder sheet  1410 . The distance is equal to or greater than the distance from where the clip  1450  extends beyond both sides of the first magnetic powder sheet  1410  to the bottom surface  1490  of the miniature power inductor  1400 . Once the clip  1450  is properly positioned on the upper surface  1414  of the first magnetic powder sheet  1410 , the clip  1450  and the first magnetic powder sheet  1410  are rolled over each other to form the structure of the miniature power inductor  1400 . The structure of the miniature power inductor  1400  is then pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form the miniature power inductor  1400 . Finally, the portions of the clip  1450 , which extend beyond both edges of the miniature power inductor  1400 , may be bent around the bottom surface  1490  of the miniature power inductor  1400  to form the first termination  1416  and the second termination  1418 . These terminations  1416 ,  1418  allow the miniature power inductor  1400  to be properly coupled to a substrate or printed circuit board. According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding. 
     The winding  1450  is formed from a conductive copper layer, which may be deformed to provide a desired geometry. Although a conductive copper material is used in this embodiment, any conductive material may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. 
     Although only one clip is used in this embodiment, additional clips may be used adjacent the first clip and formed in the same manner as described for the first clip without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although the clips may be formed parallel to one another, they may be utilized in series depending upon the trace configuration of the substrate. 
     In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded. 
     Although several embodiments have been disclosed above, it is contemplated that the invention includes modifications made to one embodiment based upon the teachings of the remaining embodiments. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It should also be realized by those having ordinary skill in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.