A low cost, low profile, small size and high performance inductive device for use in electronic circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes a ferrite core comprising a step gap, a winding disposed on the core, and a magnetic powder and epoxy mixture packed in to create a cubic-shaped inductor optimized for electrical and magnetic performance. Additionally, the incorporation of the magnetic powder and epoxy mixture around the step gap eliminates fringing magnetic fields during device operation thereby minimizing adverse electromagnetic inference on adjacently disposed electronic components. The geometry and placement of the step gaps can be varied in order to optimize performance parameters associated with the underlying inductive device. Methods of manufacture and use for the inductive device are also disclosed.