Voltage regulation module based on vertical matrix transformer

Abstract

According to the 48V-to-load point single-stage voltage regulation module based on the current multiplier and the vertical matrix transformer, the space utilization rate is greatly improved and the current conversion path is shortened due to the design of the vertical transformer, so that higher current density and system efficiency are realized. Meanwhile, by adopting the matrix transformer structure, the transformation ratio and the current bearing capacity can be improved, and the loss of the transformer is effectively reduced. In addition, the vertical transformer uses a magnetic core block with stronger anti-saturation capability, so that the output capability of the vertical transformer under a high-current condition is further enhanced, and an efficient, compact and reliable power supply scheme is provided for a high-performance microprocessor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of computationally intensive tasks such as AI model training, the current requirements of modern high-performance processors have exceeded 1000A. At such high current levels, the I2R losses in traditional Lateral Power Delivery (LPD) architectures become significant. As the number of peripheral components such as high-bandwidth memory increases, the space available for voltage regulator modules becomes even more limited. For processors with extremely high current, Vertical Power Delivery (VPD) can reduce the power delivery network (PDN) resistance by an order of magnitude compared to LPD, while also reducing mid-frequency impedance and improving transient response by placing the voltage regulator module (VRM) directly below the processor.

[0003] The implementation of vertical power delivery (VPD) requires a sufficiently compact voltage regulation module (VRM). While integrated voltage regulators (IVRs) have a small footprint, their low input voltage leads to high intermediate stage currents, necessitating a single-stage converter located near the processor and a large number of bus capacitors. Multiphase interleaved buck converters using DrMOS and digital controllers can achieve high current density, but their two-stage design limits overall efficiency (typically below 88%). In contrast, single-stage 48V to point-of-load (PoL) solutions, including transformer-based designs and hybrid switched-capacitor converters, offer improvements in power density and efficiency, but generally struggle to achieve more than 0.5A / mm². 2 The current density. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer that improves space utilization and shortens the current commutation path, thereby achieving higher current density and system efficiency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a voltage regulation module including a vertical matrix transformer, comprising an input terminal component and one or more current multiplier rectifier units connected in series. Each current multiplier rectifier unit includes a magnetic core block, in which the primary and secondary windings of a first sub-transformer and the primary and secondary windings of a second sub-transformer are longitudinally arranged. The ports of the primary and secondary windings are located on the upper or lower surface of the magnetic core block. The opposite-named ends of the primary windings of the first and second sub-transformers are connected. The same-named end of the primary winding of the first sub-transformer in the first current multiplier rectifier unit is connected to the first connection port of the input component via a wire. The same-named end of the primary winding of the last second sub-transformer is connected to the second connection port of the input component via a wire. Between adjacent current multiplier rectifier units, the same-named end of the primary winding of the preceding second sub-transformer is connected to the same-named end of the primary winding of the following first sub-transformer.

[0006] The opposite-named terminals of the secondary windings of the first sub-transformer and the second sub-transformer are connected together. The same-named terminal of the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer is connected to the first rectifier switch via a wire, and the same-named terminal of the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer is connected to the second rectifier switch via a wire. The first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch are connected to ground via a wire. The wires between the secondary windings of the first sub-transformer and the secondary windings of the second sub-transformer are connected to the output port via output wires.

[0007] The output port is connected to the output capacitor, and the other end of the output capacitor is grounded; one end of the load is connected to the output port and the other end is also grounded.

[0008] The magnetic core block has a top PCB board at the top and a bottom PCB board at the bottom. The output capacitor is set on the bottom PCB board or embedded in the bottom PCB board.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the number of current multiplier rectifier units connected in series is even, with the first half of the current multiplier rectifier units and the second half of the current multiplier rectifier units arranged facing each other, and the magnetic core blocks of the two opposing current multiplier rectifier units being a single unit.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the turns ratio of each primary winding to the corresponding secondary winding is 1:1.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the magnetic core block is provided with an outer guide plate on its side, which is used to connect the top PCB board and the bottom PCB board; the output capacitor includes a first output sub-capacitor disposed between the opposite end of the secondary winding of each first sub-transformer and the corresponding outer guide plate, and a second output sub-capacitor disposed between the opposite end of the secondary winding of each second sub-transformer and the corresponding outer guide plate; the first output sub-capacitors and the second output sub-capacitors are connected in parallel.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the input terminal assembly includes an input power supply with one end grounded, a first capacitor and a second capacitor connected in series with one end connected to the input power supply and the other end grounded, a first control switch and a second control switch connected in series with one end connected to the end of the first capacitor near the input power supply and the other end grounded; a first connection port is provided on the wire between the first control switch and the second control switch; a second connection port is provided on the wire between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, both the first control switch and the second control switch are mounted on the top PCB board.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, each of the first rectifier switch and the second rectifier switch is mounted on the top PCB board.

[0015] As another preferred embodiment, the input terminal assembly includes an input power supply with one end grounded, a first control switch and a second control switch connected in series with one end connected to the input power supply and the other end grounded, a third control switch and a fourth control switch connected in series with one end connected to the end of the first control switch near the input power supply and the other end grounded; a first connection port is provided on the wire between the first control switch and the second control switch; a second connection port is provided on the wire between the third control switch and the fourth control switch.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the magnetic core block is a soft magnetic material core block.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] A voltage regulation module based on a vertical transformer is proposed. The vertical transformer structure significantly shortens the length of the primary and secondary windings. The secondary side integrates a rectifier switch and an output capacitor, which greatly shortens the high-current commutation path, thereby improving the turns ratio and reducing conduction losses.

[0019] The vertical transformer structure allows switching devices and transformers to be stacked vertically, which greatly reduces the size of the transformer and increases the current density compared to the traditional horizontal transformer structure.

[0020] Integrating four sub-transformers together to form a transformer unit not only improves the core utilization rate, but also facilitates modular expansion and allows for flexible configuration to control the turns ratio and current output capability.

[0021] The vertical transformer is made of magnetic core material with stronger anti-saturation capability, which greatly improves the current output capability, while its soft saturation characteristic ensures the reliability and stability of the system.

[0022] A sandwich structure of PCB-core-PCB was designed, which not only achieves the shortest commutation path, but also allows all switching devices to be exposed and directly close to the heat sink, greatly reducing the module's thermal resistance and enhancing heat dissipation.

[0023] The input and output capacitors can be embedded in the bottom PCB, and the module can be directly mounted on the back of the microprocessor, which helps to reduce PDN losses and improve system efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a voltage regulation module with a half-bridge converter as its input component.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a voltage regulation module with a half-bridge converter as its input component.

[0026] Figure 3 (a) is a schematic diagram of the component connection method on the top PCB board; Figure 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the component connection method on the bottom PCB board.

[0027] Figure 4 The image shows the magnetic simulation results when the current is 35A.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the voltage regulation module.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation location of the voltage regulation module.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a voltage regulation module with a full-bridge converter as its input component.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Motherboard, 2. Packaging substrate, 3. Processor, 4. Magnetic core block, 5. Top PCB board, 6. Bottom PCB board. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific implementation scheme of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figure 1-6As shown, a voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer is disclosed, wherein the transformer module includes an input terminal component and eight current multiplier rectifier units connected in series.

[0034] The input terminal assembly includes an input power supply Vin with one end grounded, a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2 connected in series with one end connected to the input power supply Vin and the other end grounded, a first control switch Q1 and a second control switch Q2 connected in series with one end connected to the end of the first capacitor C1 closest to the input power supply Vin and the other end grounded; a first connection port is provided on the wire between the first control switch Q1 and the second control switch Q2; a second connection port is provided on the wire between the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2.

[0035] The current multiplier rectifier unit includes a magnetic core block 4. The magnetic core block 4 has longitudinally arranged primary and secondary windings of a first sub-transformer and primary and secondary windings of a second sub-transformer. The ports of the primary and secondary windings are located on the upper or lower surface of the magnetic core block 4. The opposite-named ends of the primary windings of the first and second sub-transformers are connected. The same-named end of the primary winding of the first sub-transformer in the first current multiplier rectifier unit is connected to the first connection port of the input component via a wire. The same-named end of the primary winding of the last second sub-transformer is connected to the second connection port of the input component via a wire. Between adjacent current multiplier rectifier units, the same-named end of the primary winding of the preceding second sub-transformer is connected to the same-named end of the primary winding of the following first sub-transformer. The first half of the current multiplier rectifier units and the second half of the current multiplier rectifier units are arranged facing each other, and the magnetic core block 4 of the two opposing current multiplier rectifier units is a single unit.

[0036] The secondary windings of the first sub-transformer and the second sub-transformer are connected in sequence. The same-name terminal of the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer is connected to a first rectifier switch SR1, and the same-name terminal of the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer is connected to a second rectifier switch SR2. The other ends of the first rectifier switch SR1 and the second rectifier switch SR2 are both grounded. The wires between the secondary windings of the first sub-transformer and the secondary windings of the second sub-transformer are connected to the output port through output wires.

[0037] An output capacitor Co is connected to the output port, and the other end of the output capacitor Co is grounded; one end of the load Ro is connected to the output port and the other end is also grounded.

[0038] The turns ratio of each primary winding and the corresponding secondary winding is 1:1.

[0039] A top PCB board 5 and a bottom PCB board 6 are respectively mounted on the magnetic core block. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are both mounted on the top PCB board 5. The transformer unit includes a magnetic core block 4 disposed between the top PCB board 5 and the bottom PCB board 6. The primary winding and the secondary winding are vertically arranged in the magnetic core block 4. External guide plates are provided on both sides of the magnetic core block 4. The external guide plates are used to connect the top PCB board and the bottom PCB board. Each of the first rectifier switch SR1 and the second rectifier switch SR2, as well as the first control switch Q1 and the second control switch Q2, are mounted on the top PCB board 5.

[0040] The output capacitor Co includes a first output sub-capacitor disposed between the opposite end of the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer in each transformer unit and the corresponding outer conductor, and a second output sub-capacitor disposed between the opposite end of the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer in each transformer unit and the corresponding outer conductor; the first output sub-capacitors and the second output sub-capacitors are connected in parallel.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, this voltage regulation module can be directly mounted on the motherboard 1, with the packaging substrate 2 and processor 3 arranged sequentially at the bottom of the motherboard 1. This results in a compact overall structure and excellent heat dissipation performance.

[0042] like Figure 7 The diagram shows another embodiment where the input component is a voltage regulation module of a full-bridge converter. The input component includes an input power supply Vin with one end grounded; a first control switch Q1 and a second control switch Q2 connected in series, with one end connected to the input power supply Vin and the other end grounded; a third control switch Q3 and a fourth control switch Q4 connected in series, with one end connected to the end of the first control switch closest to the input power supply and the other end grounded; a first connection port is provided on the wire between the first control switch Q1 and the second control switch Q2; a second connection port is provided on the wire between the third control switch Q3 and the fourth control switch Q4.

[0043] This invention proposes a 48V point-of-load single-stage voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer. The vertical transformer design significantly improves space utilization and shortens the current commutation path, thereby achieving higher current density and system efficiency. Simultaneously, the matrix transformer structure enhances the transformation ratio and current carrying capacity while effectively reducing transformer losses. Furthermore, this vertical transformer utilizes a core material with stronger anti-saturation capabilities, further enhancing its output capability under high current conditions, providing an efficient, compact, and reliable power delivery solution for high-performance microprocessors.

[0044] In this voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer, the transformer's magnetizing inductor also serves as the output inductor, achieving magnetic integration and structural simplification. The system employs a matrix transformer architecture, where each sub-transformer has a 1:1 turns ratio. Multiple sub-transformers are connected in series, and the number of series-connected sub-transformers determines the overall conversion ratio of the converter, allowing for flexible adjustment according to different output requirements. Simultaneously, the 1:1 turns ratio design not only simplifies the structural implementation and winding layout of the vertical transformer but also effectively reduces leakage inductance and winding losses, providing favorable conditions for the design of a high-efficiency, high-power-density single-stage voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer.

[0045] The vertical transformer features a structure where both primary and secondary windings are arranged vertically and tightly fitted to achieve a high coupling coefficient. Structurally, the primary and secondary windings are embedded within the magnetic core to form a complete transformer. Integrating four sub-transformers into a single core not only increases the effective inductance but also reduces the core size and facilitates modular expansion. On the secondary side, the secondary winding is connected to the rectifier switch and output capacitor, forming a complete secondary rectifier circuit. The commutation path on the secondary side is extremely short, significantly reducing conduction losses under high current output conditions and improving the overall system efficiency and dynamic performance. The vertical transformer greatly reduces transformer size and increases current density. This compact, vertically integrated design effectively combines high power density with low loss characteristics, making it particularly suitable for high-current, high-efficiency microprocessor power supply scenarios.

[0046] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, as well as some examples of its application, and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A voltage regulation module based on a vertical matrix transformer comprising an input assembly and one or more current doubler rectifier cells connected in series, characterized in that: The current doubling rectifier unit comprises a magnetic core block, in which a primary winding and a secondary winding of a first sub-transformer and a primary winding and a secondary winding of a second sub-transformer are longitudinally arranged; the ports of the primary winding and the secondary winding are arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface of the magnetic core block; the opposite ends of the primary winding of the first sub-transformer and the primary winding of the second sub-transformer are connected; the same end of the primary winding of the first sub-transformer of the first current doubling rectifier unit is connected to the first connecting port of the input assembly through a wire; the same end of the primary winding of the second sub-transformer of the last current doubling rectifier unit is connected to the second connecting port of the input assembly through a wire; the same end of the primary winding of the second sub-transformer of the previous current doubling rectifier unit and the same end of the primary winding of the first sub-transformer of the next current doubling rectifier unit are connected. The opposite ends of the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer and the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer are connected; the same end of the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer is connected to the first rectification switch through a wire; the same end of the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer is connected to the second rectification switch through a wire; the first rectification switch and the second rectification switch are connected through a wire and then grounded. The wires between the secondary winding of the first sub-transformer and the secondary winding of the second sub-transformer are connected to the output port through an output wire. The output port is connected to an output capacitor, and the other end of the output capacitor is grounded; one end of a load is connected to the output port, and the other end is also grounded. A top PCB is arranged on the magnetic core block, and a bottom PCB is arranged below the magnetic core block; the output capacitor is arranged on or embedded in the bottom PCB.

2. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the current doubling rectifier units connected in series is even; the first half of the current doubling rectifier units are arranged opposite to the second half of the current doubling rectifier units, and the magnetic core blocks of the two opposite current doubling rectifier units form an integral whole.

3. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The turn ratio of each primary winding and the corresponding secondary winding is 1:

1.

4. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: An outer web is arranged on the side surface of the magnetic core block, and the outer web is used to connect the top PCB and the bottom PCB; the output capacitor comprises a first output sub-capacitor arranged between the opposite end of the secondary winding of each first sub-transformer and the corresponding outer web, and a second output sub-capacitor arranged between the opposite end of the secondary winding of each second sub-transformer and the corresponding outer web; each first output sub-capacitor and each second output sub-capacitor are in parallel.

5. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: The input assembly comprises an input power supply grounded at one end; a first capacitor and a second capacitor are connected in series, one end of which is connected to the input power supply and the other end is grounded; a first control switch and a second control switch are connected in series, one end of which is connected to the first capacitor close to the input power supply and the other end is grounded; a first connecting port is arranged on the wire between the first control switch and the second control switch; and the second connecting port is arranged on the wire between the first capacitor and the second capacitor.

6. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer as defined in claim 5, characterized in that: The first control switch and the second control switch are arranged on the top PCB.

7. A vertical matrix transformer based voltage regulation module as claimed in claim 1, wherein: Each first rectification switch and each second rectification switch are arranged on the top PCB.

8. A voltage regulating module based on a vertical matrix transformer as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: The input end assembly comprises an input power supply with one end grounded, a first control switch and a second control switch connected in series with one end connected to the input power supply and the other end grounded, and a third control switch and a fourth control switch connected in series with one end connected to the first control switch close to the input power supply and the other end grounded; a first connection port is arranged on a wire between the first control switch and the second control switch; and the second connection port is arranged on a wire between the third control switch and the fourth control switch.

9. A vertical matrix transformer based voltage regulation module as recited in claim 1, wherein: The magnetic core block is a soft magnetic material magnetic core block.

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