Power factor correction circuitry connected to inductors having different inductances and electronic device including same

A power circuit with inductors of varying inductances optimizes power factor correction in large display devices, addressing inefficiencies and ensuring regulatory compliance by adapting to varying load conditions and reducing switching losses.

WO2026005264A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-02SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2025/006007
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-25
Filing Date
2025-05-02
Publication Date
2026-01-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power factor correction circuits in large display devices face inefficiencies due to varying reactive power demands, leading to increased load on the power system and potential non-compliance with legal power factor requirements.

Method used

Incorporating a power circuit with inductors having different inductances to optimize power factor correction, allowing the circuit to adapt to varying load conditions and reduce switching losses through a critical conduction mode operation.

Benefits of technology

Enhances power factor correction efficiency, reduces load on the power system, and ensures compliance with legal power factor regulations by dynamically adjusting to different power consumption levels.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: at least one electronic component; and power circuitry configured to transmit a DC signal from the at least one electronic component. The power circuitry may comprise: rectifier circuitry configured to rectify an AC signal when the AC signal is received; a capacitor; power factor correction circuitry configured to control charging of the capacitor on the basis of the rectified AC signal by changing a phase of the AC signal; DC-DC converting circuitry configured to generate, using power charged in the capacitor, the DC signal for driving the at least one electronic component; a first inductor including one end connected to the rectifier circuitry and having a first inductance; and a second inductor including one end connected to the other end of the first inductor, including the other end connected to the power factor correction circuitry, and having a second inductance different from the first inductance.
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Description

Power factor conversion circuit connected to inductors having different inductances and electronic device including the same

[0001] The following descriptions relate to power factor correction circuitry (PFC circuitry) connected to inductors having different inductances, and electronic devices including the power factor correction circuitry.

[0002] Recent advancements in electronic technology have led to the development and proliferation of various types of display devices, and the demand for large-size displays is increasing. As display devices become larger and their power consumption increases, display devices may include one or more power factor correction circuits (PFC) to ensure a stable supply of relatively high power consumption.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include at least one electronic component and a power circuit configured to transmit a direct current (DC) signal to the at least one electronic component. The power circuit may include rectifier circuitry configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) signal when receiving the AC signal. The power circuit may include a capacitor. The power circuit may include power factor correction circuitry configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing a phase of a current of the AC signal. The power circuit may include DC-DC converting circuitry configured to generate the DC signal for driving the at least one electronic component using power charged in the capacitor. The power circuit may include a first inductor having a first end connected to the rectifier circuit and having a first inductance. The power circuit may include a second inductor having one end connected to the other end of the first inductor, the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit, and a second inductor having a second inductance different from the first inductance.

[0005] In one embodiment, a power circuit may include rectifier circuitry configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) signal when receiving the AC signal. The power circuit may include a capacitor. The power circuit may include power factor correction circuitry configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing a phase of a current of the AC signal. The power circuit may include a first inductor having a first end connected to the rectifier circuit and having a first inductance. The power circuit may include a second inductor having a second end connected to the other end of the first inductor and having a second end connected to the power factor correction circuit and having a second inductance different from the first inductance.

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device that receives power from a power system.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary power circuit included in an electronic device, according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a graph showing the saturation conditions of inductors placed between a rectifier circuit and a power factor conversion circuit in a power circuit according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an inductor having a structure referred to as an EE core.

[0010] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an inductor having a structure referred to as an EI core.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates inductors having different inductances included in a power circuit according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates an inductor having a structure referred to as a planar core.

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a power circuit including an interleaved power factor conversion circuit.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates graphs for explaining voltage and current of a power signal provided from a power system to an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0016] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutes of the embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B", "A, B, or C", or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" may modify the corresponding components regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a component (e.g., a first component) is “(functionally or communicatively) connected” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), said component may be directly connected to said other component, or may be connected via another component (e.g., a third component).

[0017] The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimal unit or portion thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0018] When reference is made to the positional relationship between one element and another within this document (e.g., "on", "at the top", "below", "at the bottom", "next to"), it should be understood that unless the expression "rightly" or "directly" is used, there may be one or more intervening elements between the two elements, and it does not limit the placement relationship between the two elements.

[0019] For example, when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can mean that in addition to being attached to, integrally joined to, or inseparably formed with, one or more intermediate elements may exist between the two elements. For example, within the present disclosure, "B disposed on A" can refer to "B disposed over A." For example, within the present document, "B disposed on A" can refer to "B facing A and spaced apart from A." For example, "a first planar portion disposed on the first housing part" can refer to "a first planar portion that contacts the first housing part." For example, "a first planar portion disposed on the first housing part" can refer to "a first planar portion facing the first housing part and spaced apart from the first housing part."

[0020] For example, within this document, "B on A" may mean "B at least partially disposed on one surface of A." For example, within this document, "B on A" may mean "B formed on A." For example, within this document, "B on A" may mean "B having a portion formed on one surface of A and a remaining portion formed on the other surface of A opposite to said one surface." For example, "B on A" may mean "B having a portion bonded to an outer surface of A and a remaining portion bonded to the interior of A."

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device (101) that receives power from a power system (110). The electronic device (101) may include an electronic device capable of displaying images. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a television (TV), a monitor, a computer, a smart phone, a tablet, a portable media player, a wearable device, a video wall, an electronic picture frame, etc. The electronic device (101) may include any device (e.g., a home appliance) that receives power (via a wire) from the power system (110). For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the electronic device (101) is implemented as a TV, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0022] The electronic device (101) may be configured to operate on power (e.g., an alternating current (AC) (power) signal) provided from a power system (110). The power system (110) may be described as infrastructure designed to provide power to a location where the electronic device (101) is located. The electronic device (101) may include a plug (120) (or electrical cord) configured to be connected to a receptacle (or outlet, socket, receptacle) located at an end of the power system (110). The plug (120) may be connected to a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., an AC-DC adapter (or electrical adapter)) for power conversion (e.g., from an AC power signal to a direct current (DC) power signal).

[0023] While the plug (120) is electrically connected to the power system (110), the electronic device (101) can execute a function for outputting images, sounds, or a combination thereof (e.g., multimedia content) based on the power of the power system (110). When the electronic device (101) receives information representing images and / or sounds, the electronic device (101) can execute the function using the information. The information representing images and / or sounds can be stored in the electronic device (101) or received from an external electronic device (e.g., a set-top box (STB)) (130) connected to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) can include an antenna configured to wirelessly receive the information, or can be electrically connected to the antenna.

[0024] The electronic device (101) may include hardware for receiving user input for controlling the electronic device (101) (e.g., user input for turning on the electronic device (101) and / or user input for adjusting a setting value of the electronic device (101), such as a volume or channel). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a switch (or button) that is at least partially visible through a housing of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a touch sensor (e.g., a pressure-sensitive touch sensor and / or a capacitive touch sensor) for detecting a touch input on at least a portion of the housing. The user input may include a direct action of the user on the electronic device (101) (e.g., pressing a switch and / or button, or touching a surface of the housing). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the user input may include an indirect action of the user related to the electronic device (101), based on a remote controller (140).

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal (or an optical signal) of a remote controller (140) based on infrared (IR). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the remote controller (140) may be configured to transmit a wireless signal based on Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near-field communication (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), wireless fidelity (WiFi), WiFi-direct, and / or other wireless short-range communication protocols, and the electronic device (101) may be configured to receive a wireless signal based on the exemplified wireless short-range communication protocols. Although a remote controller (140) dedicated to the electronic device (101) is illustrated, one embodiment of the remote controller (140) is not limited thereto. For example, the remote controller (140) may include a mobile device (e.g., an electronic device referred to as a user terminal, a mobile phone, and / or a smart phone) having installed thereon a software application for controlling the electronic device (101) based on a wireless network.

[0026] FIG. 1 includes an exploded perspective view illustrating hardware included in an electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a housing (150), a display panel (160), a power circuit (170), and a control circuit (180). The housing (150) may include a rear cover (or rear cover, back cover) of the electronic device (101). The housing (150) may include an object (e.g., support legs and / or VESA (video electronics standards association) mount holes) for supporting the electronic device (101). One side of the electronic device (101) from which the housing (150) is visible may be described as a rear side (e.g., rear side) of the electronic device (101).

[0027] The other side of the electronic device (101), which is opposite to the visible side of the electronic device (101) through which the housing (150) is formed, may be described as the front side (e.g., front side) of the electronic device (101). The display panel (160) may be visible from the front side of the electronic device (101). The display panel (160) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs of the display panel (160) may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). In one embodiment, the display panel (160) may include electronic paper. When the display panel (160) has a flat shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a flat panel display (FPD). When the display panel (160) has a curved shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a curved display. When the display panel (160) has a deformable shape, the display panel (160) may be referred to as a bendable display, a flexible display, and / or a rollable display.

[0028] The control circuit (180) may be configured to execute functions of the electronic device (101) described above (e.g., a function for outputting images, sounds, or a combination thereof, a turn-on function, a turn-off function, a volume control function, a channel change function, and / or a function for controlling the execution of a software application (e.g., an over-the-top (OTT) application) installed on the electronic device (101). For example, the control circuit (180) may control the display panel (160) using information received from an external electronic device (130) to output images and / or videos represented by the information. The power circuit (170) may be configured to provide power to the control circuit (180). The power circuit (170) may be configured to convert an AC signal received from a power system (110) into a direct current (DC) signal for driving the control circuit (180).

[0029] In order to drive the electronic device (101), the amount of electrical energy provided from the power system (110) to the electronic device (101) may be referred to as apparent power. Apparent power may be a combination of active power (or consumed power) and reactive power. In a case where the power system (110) supplies electrical energy to electronic devices having the same active power, if the reactive powers of the electronic devices are different, the apparent powers provided by the power system (110) to each of the electronic devices may be different. For example, the higher the reactive power, the higher the apparent power. The power factor (PF) refers to the ratio between the active power and the apparent power. In order to reduce the load of the power system (110), the electronic device (101) may be required (by law) to have a power factor higher than a critical power factor.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and / or the power circuit (170) may be configured to receive an AC signal from the power system (110) while satisfying conditions related to power factor (e.g., legal regulations). The legal regulations may be set such that the electronic device (101) consuming power of 75 W or more must have a power factor equal to or higher than a threshold power factor. According to the legal regulations, the electronic device (101) may include a power circuit (170) (e.g., a switching mode power supply (SMPS)) controlled to have a power factor equal to or higher than the threshold power factor. In order to receive the AC signal with a power factor higher than the threshold power factor, the power circuit (170) of the electronic device (101) may include a power factor conversion circuit.

[0031] Below, with reference to FIG. 2, a power circuit (170) of an electronic device (101) including a power factor conversion circuit is schematically illustrated.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary power circuit (170) included in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the power circuit (170) included in the electronic device may be electrically connected to a power system (110). The electrical connection between the power system (110) and the power circuit (170) may be established based on the plug (120) of FIG. 1. Through the electrical connection, the power circuit (170) may receive an AC signal. The AC signal may be described as a power signal having a voltage that varies over time. The voltage of the AC signal may vary, for example, according to a sinusoidal wave having a specified frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) and a specified amplitude (e.g., 220 V and / or 110 V). The power circuit (170) can output a DC signal having a constant voltage from the AC signal. The DC signal output from the power circuit (170) can be described as a power signal having a constant voltage (within a specified error range) in a time domain.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the power circuit (170) may include an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter (210), a rectifier circuit (220), a power factor conversion circuit (240), a DC-DC conversion circuit (250), or any combination thereof. The power circuit (170) may further include circuits not illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, the power circuit (170) may further include circuits such as a lightning protection circuit, a varistor, and / or a surge arrester. At least a portion of the circuits illustrated in FIG. 2 may be omitted depending on the implementation.

[0034] The EMI filter (210) of the power circuit (170) may be configured to remove or reduce noise of an AC signal provided from the power system (110). The noise may include voltage ripples generated by other frequency components different from the main frequency component (e.g., 50 Hz and / or 60 Hz) of the AC signal. The EMI filter (210) may be connected to a rectifier circuit (220). For example, an AC signal having noise reduced by the EMI filter (210) may be transmitted to the rectifier circuit (220). For example, the EMI filter (210) may include a line filter.

[0035] The rectifier circuit (220) of the power circuit (170) can rectify an AC signal of the power system (110) (or an AC signal transmitted from the EMI filter (210)) and output a rectified AC signal (a rectified alternate current signal). The rectifier circuit (220) can be configured to rectify the AC signal when receiving the AC signal. To rectify the AC signal, the rectifier circuit (220) can include a plurality of diodes. For example, the rectifier circuit (220) can include a bridge diode circuit connected to perform full-wave rectification on the AC signal. Referring to FIG. 2, the EMI filter (210) can be connected to nodes (A, B) between pairs of diodes included in the rectifier circuit (220), respectively. For example, the rectifier circuit (220) can be configured to perform half-wave rectification on the AC signal. The embodiment is not limited thereto, and the rectifier circuit (220) may include a non-bridge type circuit.

[0036] The power factor conversion circuit (240) of the power circuit (170) can adjust the power factor of an AC signal input to the power circuit (170) (e.g., an AC signal transmitted from the power system (110) to the EMI filter (210). Since the voltage of the AC signal is defined as a sine wave, the power factor conversion circuit (240) can be configured to adjust the magnitude of the current of the AC signal in order to adjust the power factor. The power factor conversion circuit (240) can be configured to improve the power factor (or to have a power factor exceeding a critical power factor). The power factor conversion circuit (240) can adjust the power factor by synchronizing the phases of the voltage and current of the AC signal. For example, when the magnitude (or envelope) of the current of the AC signal has a sine wave having the phase and / or frequency of the voltage of the AC signal, the power factor can be increased or improved.

[0037] The power factor conversion circuit (240) may be configured to change the phase of the current of the AC signal. The power factor conversion circuit (240) may be configured to control the charging of the capacitor (243) based on the AC signal rectified by the rectifier circuit (220). The capacitor (243) may be configured to store relatively large electrical energy. In terms of storing relatively large electrical energy, the capacitor (243) may be referred to as a supercapacitor and / or a bulk capacitor. The capacitor (243) may include an electrolytic capacitor, a film capacitor, and / or a multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC).

[0038] The power circuit (170) may include a DC-DC conversion circuit (250) configured to generate a DC signal for driving at least one electronic component included in the electronic device using power (or electric energy) charged in the capacitor (243). The DC-DC conversion circuit (250) may transmit a DC signal having a voltage required by each hardware component of the electronic device (101). The DC-DC conversion circuit (250) may include at least one of an insulated DC-DC conversion circuit, a flyback conversion circuit, or a forward conversion circuit. For example, the power circuit (170) may be configured to transmit a DC signal to at least one electronic component of the electronic device.

[0039] The DC-DC conversion circuit (250) can output a DC signal from one end (e.g., node (240-2)) connected to the power factor conversion circuit (240) and a different end (e.g., node (260-1)). The DC-DC conversion circuit (250) can include a capacitor (260) having one end connected to node (260-1) and the other end (e.g., node (260-2)) that is grounded. The node (260-1) of the DC-DC conversion circuit (250) can be connected to an electronic component. The DC-DC conversion circuit (250) can output a DC signal having a voltage required for driving the electronic component to the electronic component through the node (260-1). When the power consumption of the electronic component increases, the capacitor (243) can be discharged more quickly because the electric energy of the capacitor (243) is discharged for driving the electronic component. Discharging of the capacitor (243) can reduce the voltage of both terminals of the capacitor (243) (e.g., the voltage of node (240-2)). For example, as the power consumption of the electronic component increases, the potential difference between both terminals of the plurality of inductors (230) (e.g., nodes (220-1, 240-1)) can increase because the capacitor (243) is discharged quickly.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the power circuit (170) may include a plurality of inductors (230) between the rectifier circuit (220) and the power factor conversion circuit (240). Although the plurality of inductors (230) are described as being connected to the power factor conversion circuit (240) in this document, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the plurality of inductors (230) may be (integrally) included in the power factor conversion circuit (240), as illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of inductors (230) may include one end connected to one end of the rectifier circuit (220) (e.g., node (220-1)) and may include a first inductor (231) having a first inductance. The node (220-1) to which the rectifier circuit (220) and the first inductor (231) are connected may be connected to one end of a capacitor (225). The other end of the capacitor (225) may be connected to the other end of the rectifier circuit (220) (e.g., node (220-2)). The capacitor (225) may be charged, at least temporarily, based on an AC signal rectified by the rectifier circuit (220). The electrical energy charged in the capacitor (225) may be used to induce current in a plurality of inductors (230).

[0041] In one embodiment where the number of the plurality of inductors (230) is two, the plurality of inductors (230) may include one end connected to the other end of the first inductor (231), the other end connected to one end of the power factor conversion circuit (240) (e.g., node (240-1)), and a second inductor (232) having a second inductance different from the first inductance. The number of the plurality of inductors (230) may be two or more. Referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of inductors (230) may be coupled in series with each other between one end of the rectifier circuit (220) (e.g., node (220-1)) and one end of the power factor conversion circuit (240) (e.g., node (240-1)).

[0042] The plurality of inductors (230) may each have different inductances. For example, the inductance of at least one of the plurality of inductors (230) may be different from the inductances of the remaining inductors (or other inductors). In one embodiment where the power circuit (170) includes two inductors, the first inductance of the first inductor (231) may be different from the second inductance of the second inductor (232), may be greater than the second inductance of the second inductor (232), or may be less than the second inductance of the second inductor (232). By utilizing the plurality of inductors (230) having different inductances, the power circuit (170) may increase the efficiency of the power factor conversion circuit (240).

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a power factor conversion circuit (240) based on a critical conduction mode (CrM) is illustrated. The power factor conversion circuit (240) may include a switch (e.g., a transistor (241)) and a diode (242) for controlling the flow of current induced in a plurality of inductors (230). One end of the power factor conversion circuit (240) (e.g., a node (240-1) connected to one end of any one of the plurality of inductors (230)) may be connected to the anode of the diode (242) and the drain of the transistor (241). For example, the transistor (241) may be configured to control the electrical connection between the anode and the ground node by being connected to the anode of the diode (242). The cathode of the diode (242) may be connected to one end of a capacitor (243) (e.g., a node (240-2)). A diode (242) may be placed within the power circuit (170) to prevent the electrical energy of the capacitor (243) from being transmitted to the plurality of inductors (230) and / or the rectifier circuit (220).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, the source of the transistor (241) may be connected to a ground node. Although not shown, the gate of the transistor (241) may be connected to a controller of a power factor conversion circuit (240). The controller of the power factor conversion circuit (240) may measure a current induced in at least one of the plurality of inductors (230). The controller of the power factor conversion circuit (240) may be configured to control the transistor (241). Using the measured current, the controller of the power factor conversion circuit (240) may control the transistor (241). The controller of the power factor conversion circuit (240) may apply a voltage to the gate of the transistor (241) to at least temporarily activate the transistor (241) (e.g., establish an electrical connection between the drain and the gate).

[0045] For example, a controller of a power factor conversion circuit (240) based on CrM can activate a transistor (241) when a magnitude of a current induced in at least one of a plurality of inductors (230) corresponds to a designated magnitude (e.g., 0 A). An electrical connection between an anode of a diode (242) (e.g., node (240-1)) and a ground node can be established by the activated transistor (241). A potential difference across both terminals of the plurality of inductors (230) (e.g., nodes (220-1, 240-1)) can be increased to a potential difference across a capacitor (225) (or nodes (220-1, 220-2) corresponding to both terminals of the rectifier circuit (220)). According to the characteristic equation of the inductor, such as mathematical equation 1, the increased potential difference can induce current in the plurality of inductors (230).

[0046]

[0047] Referring to mathematical expression 1, v can represent the magnitude of the voltage applied to the inductor, i can represent the magnitude of the current induced in the inductor, and L can represent the inductance of the inductor. The larger the inductance (L), the larger the magnitude of the current. It can be reduced.

[0048] A controller of a power factor conversion circuit (240) based on CrM can activate a transistor (241) for a time interval of a specified length (or a fixed length). In response to the expiration of the time interval, the controller can deactivate the transistor (241) (e.g., release the electrical connection between the drain and the gate). For example, based on the expiration of the time interval, the controller can control the transistor (241) to release the electrical connection between the anode and the ground node of the diode (242). By the deactivated transistor (241), the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230) can be transmitted to the capacitor (243) through the diode (242). The magnitude of the current in the plurality of inductors (230) has a continuous characteristic. The magnitude of the current in the plurality of inductors (230), which was induced during the time interval, may not immediately decrease to 0 after the time interval due to the continuous characteristic. For example, the capacitor (243) can receive the current of the plurality of inductors (230) induced during the time period. For example, by the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230), the capacitor (243) can receive the electric energy accumulated in the plurality of inductors (230) during the time period.

[0049] While receiving the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230), the capacitor (243) can be charged by the current. When the capacitor (243) is charged, the voltage of both terminals of the capacitor (243) (e.g., the voltage of the node (240-2)) can increase. Since the capacitor (243) receives the electric energy of the plurality of inductors (230), the magnitude of the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230) can be (gradually) (continuously) decreased while the capacitor (243) is charged. The power factor conversion circuit (240) of FIG. 2, which is configured to charge the capacitor (243) based on the connection of the plurality of inductors (230), the transistor (241), and the diode (242), can be referred to as a boost converter.

[0050] After disabling the transistor (241), the controller of the power factor conversion circuit (240) based on CrM can maintain the disabling of the transistor (241) until the magnitude of the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230) is reduced to a specified magnitude. The controller can be configured to detect the magnitude of the current induced in at least one of the plurality of inductors (230). In order to measure the magnitude of the current induced in at least one of the plurality of inductors (230) without leakage of the current, the controller can include another inductor mutually coupled to the plurality of inductors (230). The controller can detect or identify an electric field caused by the plurality of inductors (230) using the other inductor. If the magnitude of the current detected using the other inductor is equal to or less than a first specified magnitude (e.g., about 0 A), the controller may re-enable the transistor (241). The re-enablement of the transistor (241) may re-establish an electrical connection between the anode and the ground node of the diode (242). If the magnitude of the current detected using the other inductor is equal to or greater than a second specified magnitude (e.g., an upper current limit set for circuit protection), the controller may activate the transistor (2421) to block, or at least temporarily stop, the current from flowing to the capacitor (243).

[0051] As described above, the transistor (241) of the power factor conversion circuit (240) based on CrM can be repeatedly switched between an active state and an inactive state. When the state of the transistor (241) is switched, power transmitted to the power circuit (170) can be at least partially used to control the transistor (241). The power used to control the transistor (241) may not be charged in the capacitor (243) and may not be used to drive electronic components connected to the power circuit (170) (e.g., the control circuit (180) and / or the display panel (160) of FIG. 1). The power used to control the transistor (241) may be referred to as the switching loss of the power circuit (170) (or the power factor conversion circuit (240)). The switching loss may be related to the frequency (or frequency) at which the transistor (241) is switched. For example, as the frequency increases, the switching loss may increase. The above frequency may be referred to as the switching frequency of the power circuit (170) and / or the power factor conversion circuit (240).

[0052] In an embodiment where a plurality of inductors (230) have different inductances, the plurality of inductors (230) may have different saturation conditions. In view of having different saturation conditions, the plurality of inductors (230) may be referred to as partially saturable inductors. When the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field formed in the inductor increases to a maximum magnetic flux density related to the physical characteristics of the inductor, the inductor may be saturated. The saturation condition of the inductor may be satisfied when a maximum current corresponding to the maximum magnetic flux density is induced in the inductor. While satisfying the saturation condition, the inductor may have characteristics like a conductor. For example, the reactance and / or inductance of the inductor may converge to zero.

[0053] By using a plurality of inductors (230) having different inductances, the power circuit (170) can operate in different modes depending on the power consumption (e.g., load) of the electronic components. For example, when the load is light, the magnitude of the current induced in the plurality of inductors (230) is relatively small, so that not all of the plurality of inductors (230) may be saturated. For example, when the load is heavy, the magnitude of the current flowing in the plurality of inductors (230) is relatively large, so that the plurality of inductors (230) may be partially saturated.

[0054] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the relationship between the current induced in a plurality of inductors (230) having different inductances and the inductances is described.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a graph (300) representing a saturation condition of inductors (e.g., a plurality of inductors (230) of FIG. 2) arranged between a rectifier circuit (e.g., a rectifier circuit (220) of FIG. 2) and a power factor conversion circuit (e.g., a power factor conversion circuit (240) of FIG. 2) within a power circuit (e.g., a power circuit (170) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2), according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment in which a first inductor having a first inductance (L1) and a second inductor having a second inductance (L2) are connected in series with each other, a graph (300) is shown showing the relationship between the composite inductance (L) of the first inductor and the second inductor and the magnitude of the current induced in the series connection of the first inductor and the second inductor.

[0057] Referring to graph (300), a second critical current (I2) corresponding to a saturation condition of the first inductor and a first critical current (I1) corresponding to a saturation condition of the second inductor are shown. In an embodiment where the second inductance (L2) is less than the first inductance (L1), the first critical current (I1) of the second inductor may be greater than the second critical current (I2) of the first inductor. When the current induced in the inductors is included in the first section (310) less than the first critical current (I1), since neither the first inductor nor the second inductor is saturated, the composite inductance may correspond to the combination (L1 + L2) of the first inductance (L1) and the second inductance (L2). When the current induced in the inductors is greater than the first critical current (I1) and less than the second critical current (I2) (e.g., included in the second section (320)), the second inductor is saturated, so the composite inductance can correspond to the first inductance (L1). When the current induced in the inductors is greater than the second critical current (I2), all of the inductors are saturated, so the composite inductance can be substantially reduced to zero. That is, the inductors can operate like conducting wires.

[0058] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, when the load is light, the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors may be relatively small. For example, while the current included in the first section (310) is induced in the inductors, since the composite inductance is relatively large (L1 + L2), the rate of change in the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors may be reduced. That is, the current induced in the inductors may change relatively slowly. When a power factor conversion circuit based on CrM (e.g., the power factor conversion circuit (240) of FIG. 2) checks whether the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors is reduced to 0, and since the current induced in the inductors is reduced relatively slowly, the switching frequency of the power factor conversion circuit may be relatively reduced. The reduced switching frequency may result in a reduction in switching loss. Since not all of the inductors are saturated while the current included in the first section (310) is induced in the inductors, core loss may be reduced.

[0059] As described above with reference to FIG. 2, when the load is large, the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors may increase. For example, while the current included in the second section (320) is induced in the inductors, since the second inductor is saturated and the first inductor is not saturated, the composite inductance may decrease to the first inductance (L1) of the first inductor. Because the composite inductance decreases, the current induced in the inductors may change relatively quickly. The power factor conversion circuit based on CrM checks whether the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors decreases to 0, and because the current induced in the inductors decreases relatively quickly, the switching frequency of the power factor conversion circuit may relatively increase. Based on the increased switching frequency, the capacitor of the power factor conversion circuit (e.g., the capacitor (243) of FIG. 2) is quickly charged, so that the power required to drive the load can be quickly provided.

[0060] As described above, according to one embodiment, the power circuit may include inductors having different inductances. The inductors may be included in the power factor conversion circuit or may be arranged between the power factor conversion circuit and the rectifier circuit. By utilizing inductors having different saturation conditions, the power circuit can efficiently respond to the power consumption of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) (or the power consumption of electronic components of the electronic device).

[0061] Hereinafter, shapes of inductors designed to have different inductances are exemplarily described with reference to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, and 6 to 7.

[0062] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an inductor (410) having a structure, referred to as an EE core. Referring to Figure 4a, the inductor (410) may include a bobbin (415) including a conductor (419), an outer surface around which the conductor (419) is wound, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a through hole, a first core (411), and a second core (412). Both ends of the inductor (410) (e.g., the first end (419-1) and the second end (419-2)) may be electrically connected to another circuit. The inductor (410) may be referred to as a coil and / or a coil assembly.

[0063] The first core (411) and / or the second core (412) may be a ferrite core including at least one of manganese-zinc (MnZn) ferrite or nickel-zinc (NiZn) ferrite. The bobbin (415) may include at least one of a plastic such as bakelite or a ceramic. The conductor (419) may be a wire based on a conductive material. The cross-section of the conductor (419) may have a circular or rectangular shape.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 4a, protrusions of the first core (411) and the second core (412) may be positioned or introduced into the through hole of the bobbin (415) along the z-axis. Referring to Fig. 4b, a cross-section of the inductor (410) along line AA' of Fig. 4a is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 4b, the first core (411) may include a first base portion (411-2) positioned on a first opening forming one end of the through hole of the bobbin (415), and a first protrusion (411-1) coupled with the bobbin (416) and positioned within the through hole by partially penetrating the through hole through the first opening. The first core (411) may include sidewall portions (e.g., sidewall portions (411-3, 411-4)) extending from the first base portion (411-2) and spaced apart from the first protrusion (411-1). The sidewall portions (411-3, 411-4) may extend from mutually parallel edges of the first base portion (411-2), and the first protrusion (411-1) may extend from the center of the first base portion (411-2) spaced apart from all of the sidewall portions (411-3, 411-4). The first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) may be referred to as a middle leg (or midfoot), and the side wall portions (411-3, 411-4) may be referred to as side legs (or side legs). Since the side wall portions (411-3, 411-4) and the first protrusion (411-1) all extend from one side of the first base portion (411-2), the first core (411) may have a shape of the alphabet E.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 4B, the second core (412) may include a second base portion (412-2) disposed on a second opening forming the other end of the through hole of the bobbin (415), and a second protrusion (412-1) coupled to the bobbin (415) and disposed within the through hole by partially penetrating the through hole through the second opening, and spaced apart from the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411). The second core (412) may include a side wall portion (e.g., side wall portions (412-3, 412-4)) extending from the second base portion (412-2) and spaced apart from the second protrusion (412-1). The side wall portions (412-3, 412-4) may extend from the edges of the second base portion (412-2), and the second protrusion (412-1) may extend from the center of the second base portion (412-2). The second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412) may be referred to as a middle leg (or midfoot), and the side wall portions (412-3, 412-4) may be referred to as a side leg (or side foot). Since the side wall portions (412-3, 412-4) and the second protrusion (412-1) all extend from one side of the second base portion (412-2), the second core (412) may also have a shape of the letter E. A combination of the first core (411) having a shape of the letter E, and the second core (412) may be referred to as an EE core.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4B, when the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) and the second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412) are introduced into the through hole of the bobbin (415), the side wall portions (411-3, 411-4) of the first core (411) may come into contact with the side wall portions (412-3, 412-4) of the second core (412), respectively. For example, the side wall portions (411-3, 411-4) of the first core (411) may extend toward the side wall portions (412-3, 412-4) of the second core (412), respectively. For example, one end of a side wall portion (411-3) of the first core (411) may be in contact with one end of a side wall portion (412-3) of the second core (412). For example, one end of a side wall portion (411-4) of the first core (411) may be in contact with one end of a side wall portion (412-4) of the second core (412).

[0067] The sum of the lengths of the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) and the second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412) may be less than the sum of the lengths of the side wall portion (411-3) of the first core (411) and the side wall portion (412-3) of the second core (412), which are in contact with each other. Referring to FIG. 4B, when one end of the side wall portion (411-3) of the first core (411) comes into contact with one end of the side wall portion (412-3) of the second core (412), one end of the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) and one end of the second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, an air gap may be formed between the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) and the second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412). Within the inductor (410), electric energy formed by a magnetic field may be accumulated within the air gap. Referring to FIG. 4B, an air gap having a size of length (d1) may be formed within the bobbin (415).

[0068] The inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor (410) may be related to or dependent on the dimensions of the first core (411) and / or the second core (412). For example, the saturation condition may be related to the distance (e.g., the length d1 of the air gap) between the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411) and the second protrusion (412-1) of the second core (412). For example, as the length d1 of the air gap increases, the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase. For example, as the height h1 of the base portion (e.g., the base portion (411-2) of the first core (411)) increases, the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase. For example, as the width (w1) of the intermediate portion (e.g., the first protrusion (411-1) of the first core (411)) increases (or as the width of the through hole of the bobbin (415) increases), the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase.

[0069] An inductor (410) having the structure of the EE core described above with reference to FIGS. 4A and / or 4B may be connected to another inductor within a power circuit of an electronic device, according to one embodiment. At least one of the dimensions of the inductor (410), for example, the length of the air gap (e.g., d1), the height of the base portion (e.g., h1), the width of the through hole of the bobbin (415), and / or the width of the midfoot (e.g., w1), may be different from the corresponding dimensions of the other inductor. Based on the difference in inductance caused by the difference in dimensions, the series connection of the inductor (410) and the other inductor may have a composite inductance-current relationship as in FIG. 3.

[0070] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an inductor (510) having a structure referred to as an EI core. Referring to FIG. 5A, the inductor (510) may include a bobbin (515) including a conductor (519), an outer surface around which the conductor (519) is wound, and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface and defining a through hole, a first core (511), and a second core (512). Both ends of the inductor (510) (e.g., the first end (519-1) and the second end (519-2)) may be electrically connected to another circuit. In the description of the inductor (510), any description that overlaps with the description of the inductor (410) of FIGS. 4A and / or 4B may be omitted.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5A, the second core (512) may have a shape of the letter E, similar to the cores of FIG. 4A and / or FIG. 4B (e.g., the first core (411) and / or the second core (412)). Meanwhile, the first core (511) may have a shape of the letter I, or may have a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. A combination of the first core (511) having a shape of the letter I and the second core (512) having a shape of the letter E may be referred to as an EI core. Referring to FIG. 5A, the first core (511) and the second core (512) may be aligned along the central axis of the through hole of the bobbin (515), which is parallel to the z-axis. When the first core (511), the bobbin (515), and the second core (512) are aligned, the protrusion of the second core (512) can be inserted into the through hole of the bobbin (515).

[0072] Referring to Fig. 5b, a cross-section of the inductor (510) along line AA' of Fig. 5a is illustrated. Referring to Fig. 5b, the second core (512) may include a first base portion (512-2) disposed on a first opening forming one end of a through hole of a bobbin (515), and a protrusion (512-1) coupled to the first bobbin (515) and disposed within the through hole by at least partially penetrating the through hole through the first opening. The first core (511) may include a base portion forming the other end of the through hole opposite to the one end and at least partially overlapping the second opening. The first core (511) may have only a base portion and may not include a protrusion portion.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5b, the length (l3) of the protrusion (512-1) of the second core (512) of the inductor (510) may be shorter than the length of at least one of the side wall portions (512-3, 512-4) of the second core (512). Since the length (l3) of the protrusion (512-1) is shorter than the lengths of the side wall portions (512-3, 512-4), while one end of the side wall portions (512-3, 512-4) of the second core (512) is in contact with the first core (511) (or while the protrusion (512-1) is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin (515), an air gap (e.g., length (d2)) may be formed within the through hole of the bobbin (515). While the protrusion (512-1) of the second core (512) is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin (515), the side wall portions (512-3, 512-4) of the second core (512) can come into contact with the first core (511) outside the through hole of the bobbin (515).

[0074] The inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor (510) may be related to the dimensions of the first core (511) and / or the second core (512). For example, as the length (l3) of the protrusion (512-1) (or the length of the intermediate portion) becomes shorter, the critical current satisfying the saturation condition of the inductor (510) may increase. For example, as the length (d2) of the air gap becomes longer, the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase. The length (d2) of the air gap may be the length between one end of the protrusion (512-1) of the second core (512) and the base portion of the first core (511). For example, as the height (h4) of the base portion (e.g., the base portion of the first core (511)) becomes longer, the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase. For example, as the width of the midfoot (e.g., the width (w3) of the protrusion (512-1) of the second core (512)) increases, the critical current that satisfies the saturation condition may increase.

[0075] For example, as the dimensions (e.g., width, length, height), size, and / or volume of the air gap formed within the bobbin (515) increase, the critical current that satisfies the saturation condition of the inductor (510) may increase. While a current less than the critical current is induced, the inductor (510) may not be saturated and may be driven according to the characteristic equation of Equation 1. When a current greater than the critical current is induced (e.g., when the saturation condition is satisfied), the inductor (510) may be saturated and may not be driven according to the characteristic equation of Equation 1. While the saturation condition is satisfied, the inductor (510) may have characteristics that are the same as or similar to a conductor.

[0076] An inductor (510) having the structure of the EI core described above with reference to FIGS. 5A and / or 5B may be connected to another inductor within a power circuit of an electronic device according to one embodiment. When both the inductor (510) and the other inductor have the structure of the EI core, at least one of the dimensions of the inductor (510), for example, the length of the air gap (e.g., d2), the height of the base portion (e.g., h3 and / or h4), the length of the midfoot (e.g., l3), the width of the through hole of the bobbin (515), and / or the width of the midfoot (e.g., w3), may be different from the corresponding dimensions of the other inductor. For example, in order to cause a difference between the first inductance of the inductor (510) and the second inductance of the other inductor, the distance between the protrusion (512-1) of the second core (512) and the base portion of the first core (511) within the through hole of the bobbin (515) may be different from the length of the air gap formed within the through hole of the bobbin of the other inductor. For example, in order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the first width (e.g., w3) of the through hole of the bobbin (515) of the inductor (510) may be different from the second width of the through hole of the bobbin of the other inductor.

[0077] Below, with reference to FIG. 6, an exemplary case in which inductors having different inductances are connected within a power circuit is schematically illustrated.

[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates inductors (610, 620) having different inductances, included in a power circuit (e.g., power circuit (170) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2), according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, inductors (610, 620) having the structure of an EE core, as described with reference to FIG. 4A and / or FIG. 4B, are illustrated. A first inductor (610) may include a first core (611), a second core (612), a first bobbin (615), and a first conductor (619). A second inductor (620) may include a third core (621), a fourth core (622), a second bobbin (625), and a second conductor (629). Among the descriptions of the inductors (610, 620), parts that overlap with the description of the inductor (410) of FIG. 4a and / or FIG. 4b may be omitted.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, one end (619-1) of a first conductor (619) of a first inductor (610) may be connected to a node of a power circuit, and the other end (619-2) of the first conductor (619) may be connected to a second conductor (629) of a second inductor (620). The other end (629-2) of the second conductor (629), which is different from the one end of the second conductor (629) connected to the other end (619-2) of the first conductor (619) of the first inductor (610), may be connected to another node of the power circuit. For example, inductors (610, 620) may be connected in series between the node of the power circuit and the other node. The above node of the power circuit may correspond to the node (220-1) of the rectifier circuit (220) of FIG. 2, and the other node of the power circuit may correspond to the node (240-1) of the power factor conversion circuit (240) of FIG. 2. For example, the rectifier circuit, inductors (610, 620), and the power factor conversion circuit may be connected in series.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 6, in order to cause a difference between the first inductance of the first inductor (610) and the second inductance of the second inductor (620), the first inductor (610) and the second inductor (620) may have different shapes. For example, the distance (d3) between the protrusion of the first core (611) of the first inductor (610) and the protrusion of the second core (612) may be different from the distance (d4) between the protrusion of the third core (621) of the second inductor (620) and the protrusion of the fourth core (622). Because the distances (d3, d4) are different, the air gap formed within the first bobbin (615) of the first core (611) may have a different size, dimension (e.g., width, length, height), and / or volume than the air gap formed within the second bobbin (625) of the second core (612).

[0081] An embodiment in which the distances (d3, d4) are different is shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the width of the protrusion of the first core (611) of the first inductor (610) may be different from the width of the protrusion of the third core (621) of the second inductor (620) to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance. For example, the height between one side of the base portion of the first core (611) of the first inductor (610) and the other side of the base portion of the first core (611) may be different from the height between one side of the base portion of the third core (621) of the second inductor (620) and the other side of the base portion of the third core (621) to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance. Based on a difference in at least one of the above-described properties, the first inductor (610) and the second inductor (620) may each have different saturation conditions.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, exemplary shapes of cores (e.g., the first core (611) to the fourth core (622)) included in the first inductor (610) and / or the second inductor (620) are illustrated. For example, inductors included in the power circuit, such as the first inductor (610) and the second inductor (620), may include any one of the cores (651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656) of FIG. 6. The core (651) may have a protrusion having a shape of a square pillar. The width (w5) of the protrusion and / or the height (h5) of the base portion where the protrusion is located may be determined or designed based on the inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (651). An inductor including a core (651) may be referred to as an EE core, as described above with reference to FIG. 4a and / or FIG. 4b.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, the core (652) may have a protrusion having a cylindrical shape. The radius (r6) of one side of the protrusion and / or the height (h6) of the base portion from which the protrusion extends may be determined based on the inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (652). The base portion of the core (652) may have a bow-tie shape with the protrusion having a cylindrical shape positioned at the center. The side wall portion of the core (652) may include an inner surface having a curved shape and an outer surface having a flat shape. For example, the magnitude of the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase as the radius (r6) increases, the height (h6) increases, and the air gap formed by the core (652) increases. The inductor including the core (652) may be referred to as a PQ core.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6, the core (653) may have a protrusion having a shape of a cylinder. The radius (r7) of one side of the protrusion and / or the height (h7) of the base portion from which the protrusion extends may be configured to determine the inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (653). The base portion of the core (653) may have a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The side wall portion of the core (653) may include an inner surface having a curved shape and an outer surface having a flat shape. For example, the magnitude of the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase as the radius (r7) increases, the height (h7) increases, and the air gap formed by the core (653) increases. The inductor including the core (653) may be referred to as an EER core.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the core (654) may have a protrusion having a shape of a cylinder. The radius (r8) of one side of the protrusion and / or the height (h8) of the base portion from which the protrusion extends may be configured to determine the inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (654). The side wall portion of the core (654) may include an inner side having a curved shape and an outer side having a polygonal shape. For example, the magnitude of the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase as the radius (r8) increases, the height (h8) increases, and the air gap formed by the core (654) increases. The inductor including the core (654) may be referred to as an RM core.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 6, the core (655) may have a protrusion having a shape of a circular column. The protrusion may further include a through hole having a shape of a circle. The radius (r9) of one side of the protrusion and / or the height (h9) of the base portion from which the protrusion extends may be configured to determine the inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (655). The base portion of the core (655) may have the shape of a circle (or semicircles symmetrically connected). The side wall portion of the core (655) may have the shape of an arc with the protrusion as the center. For example, the magnitude of the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase as the radius (r9) increases, the height (h9) increases, and the air gap formed by the core (655) increases. The inductor including the core (655) may be referred to as a POT core.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, the core (656) may have a protrusion in the shape of a square column with rounded corners. The inductance and / or saturation condition of the inductor including the core (656) may be related to the width (w10) of the protrusion and / or the height (h10) of the base portion from which the protrusion extends. The base portion of the core (656) may have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The side wall portion of the core (656) may have the shape of a square column (or rectangular parallelepiped). For example, the magnitude of the critical current satisfying the saturation condition may increase as the width (w10) increases, the height (h10) increases, and the air gap formed by the core (656) increases. The inductor including the core (656) may be referred to as an EED core. A bobbin having a wire wound on each of the protrusions of the cores (651, 652, 653, 655, 656) may be placed, and another core may be positioned in a second opening of the bobbin opposite the first opening of the bobbin into which the protrusion is introduced.

[0088] All of the cores included in the inductor may have the form of any one of the cores (651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656). The embodiment is not limited thereto, and any one of the cores included in the inductor may have the form of any one of the cores (651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656) having a protrusion, and another one of the cores may include only a base portion without a protrusion (e.g., an EI core described with reference to FIGS. 5A and / or 5B). The inductance of the inductor of the EI core, and / or the saturation condition, may also depend on the length of the midfoot and / or the height of the base portion.

[0089] While one embodiment of a bobbin-wound conductor has been described, an inductor can also be formed by conductors printed on a PCB. Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary inductor based on the core (656) of FIG. 6 and the PCB is illustrated.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates an inductor (710) having a structure referred to as a planar core. Referring to FIG. 7, an inductor (710) is illustrated that includes cores (656-1, 656-2) having the form of a core (656) as described with reference to FIG. 6. A PCB (720) may be positioned between the cores (656-1, 656-2). The PCB (720) may include through holes (724, 726) that overlap with side wall portions of the cores (656-1, 656-2). In each of the through holes (724, 726), side wall portions of the cores (656-1, 656-2) may be in contact with each other. The PCB (720) may include a through hole (725) for an air gap. For example, when the PCB (720) is interposed between the cores (656-1, 656-2), the intermediate portions of the cores (656-1, 656-2) may face each other at the through hole (725). An air gap may be formed between the intermediate portions.

[0091] The conductor (730) formed on the PCB (720) may have a loop shape surrounding the through hole (725). One end (731) and the other end (732) of the conductor (730) may be connected to another inductor and / or at least a portion of a power circuit. The critical current of the inductor (710) satisfying the saturation condition may be determined based on the length (d10) of the air gap formed in the through hole (725), the width (w10) of the middle of the cores (656-1, 656-2), and / or the height (h10) of the base portion of the cores (656-1, 656-2). For example, the longer the length (d10), the wider the width (w10), and / or the higher the height (h10), the higher the critical current.

[0092] The inductors described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6, and / or 7 can be used or produced to form a series connection of inductors having different inductances. The series connection of the inductors can be formed within a power circuit to improve the efficiency of the power factor conversion circuit.

[0093] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a power circuit (170) including an interleaved power factor conversion circuit (840). The power circuit (170) may include a rectifier circuit (810), an interleaved PFC (840), and / or a capacitor (850). The rectifier circuit (810) may include a port (810-1) configured to be connected to a power system (e.g., power system (110) of FIG. 1), nodes (810-2, 810-3) connected to opposite ends of a capacitor (820). The interleaved PFC (840) may include a node (850-1) connected to a capacitor (850), referred to as a bulk capacitor, and nodes (840-1, 840-2) connected to signal paths extending from a node (810-2) of the rectifier circuit (810), respectively. The capacitor (850) may include a node (850-1) connected to the interleaved PFC (840) and a grounded node (850-2).

[0094] Between node (810-2) and node (840-1), inductors (831, 832) having different inductances may be connected in series. Between node (810-2) and node (840-2), inductors (833, 834) having different inductances may be connected in series. The inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) may have the shape and / or structure of an inductor described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6, and / or 7. The interleaved-PFC (840) may include the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) and the capacitor (820). Nodes (810-2, 810-3) may be referred to as ports connecting the interleaved PFC (840) and the rectifier circuit (810).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, the interleaved PFC (840) may include transistors (841, 842) that operate according to different phases (e.g., phases having a phase difference of 180º). The drain of the first transistor (841) may be connected to a node (840-1). The source of the first transistor (841) may be grounded. The drain of the second transistor (842) may be connected to a node (840-2). The source of the second transistor (842) may be grounded. The gates of the transistors (841, 842) may be connected to a controller (not shown) of the interleaved PFC (840).

[0096] The interleaved PFC (840) may include a diode (843) having an anode connected to node (840-1) and a cathode connected to node (850-1), and a diode (844) having an anode connected to node (840-2) and a cathode connected to node (850-1). Since the transistors (841, 842) operate according to different phases, during a first time interval in which the first transistor (841) is activated, the second transistor (842) may be deactivated, and within a second time interval following the first time interval, the first transistor (841) may be deactivated and the second transistor (842) may be activated. Activation of the first transistor (841) may cause an electrical connection between the node (840-1) and the ground node, and may cause charging of the inductors (831, 832) (e.g., an increase in the current induced in the inductors (832, 832)). Activation of the second transistor (842) may cause an electrical connection between the node (840-2) and the ground node, and may cause charging of the inductors (833, 834) (e.g., an increase in the current induced in the inductors (833, 834)).

[0097] The inductances of the inductors (831, 832) may be different from each other. Similarly, the inductances of the inductors (833, 834) may also be different from each other. Inductors (831, 832) having different inductances may have different saturation conditions. Similarly, inductors (833, 834) having different inductances may have different saturation conditions. Depending on the load of the electronic components connected to the power circuit (170), the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) may operate in different modes. The above modes may include a first mode (e.g., the first section (310) of FIG. 3) in which none of the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) are saturated, a second mode (e.g., the second section (320) of FIG. 3) in which at least one inductor having a relatively small inductance among the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) is saturated, and a third mode in which all of the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) are saturated. When the load is light, the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) may operate in the first mode so that switching losses of the interleaved PFC (840) and / or the power circuit (170) are reduced. When the load increases, the inductors (831, 832, 833, 834) can operate in a second mode, in which the switching frequency increases.

[0098] FIG. 9 illustrates graphs for explaining voltage and current of a power signal provided from a power system (e.g., power system (110) of FIG. 1) to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1), according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, a graph (900) illustrates, in the time domain, the magnitudes of an output voltage of a power factor conversion circuit (e.g., power factor conversion circuit (170) of FIG. 2) and the current of an AC signal received by a power circuit including the power factor conversion circuit. The output voltage of the power factor conversion circuit may represent the magnitude of the voltage of node (240-2) of FIG. 2 and / or node (850-1) of FIG. 8. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the power factor conversion circuit may be connected to inductors having different inductances (e.g., inductors 610 and 620 of FIG. 6).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9, an enlarged graph of a portion of graph (900) is illustrated. Line (910) may represent the magnitude of the voltage of the AC signal. Line (920) may represent the magnitude of the current of the AC signal. Line (930) may represent the average magnitude of the current of the AC signal. In one embodiment where inductors having different inductances are positioned between the power factor conversion circuit and the rectifier circuit, the magnitude of the current represented by line (920) may represent the magnitude of the current flowing through the inductors. Referring to lines (910, 930), the phase of the voltage of the AC signal and the phase of the current of the AC signal may be the same. When the phases of the voltage and current of the AC signal are synchronized, the power factor may be maximized. For example, in order to satisfy legal regulations related to power factor, it may be required to synchronize the phases of the voltage and current of the AC signal.

[0100] Line (940) of FIG. 9 may represent the magnitude of the voltage of a control signal applied to the gate of a transistor of a power factor conversion circuit (e.g., transistor (241) of FIG. 2). The voltage of the control signal represented by line (940) may increase above a designated threshold voltage for activating the transistor in each of time intervals having a designated length (tg). In each of the time intervals, since the transistor is activated, a current based on the rectified AC signal may be induced in inductors having different inductances. In each of the time intervals, the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors may increase, as in line (920). Referring to Equation 1, the degree to which the current increases in each of the time intervals may be proportional to the magnitude of the voltage of the AC signal in each of the time intervals, as represented by line (910).

[0101] Between time intervals having a specified length (tg), the voltage of the control signal may be reduced below the specified threshold voltage (e.g., approximately 0 V). Between the time intervals, the transistor may be deactivated. By the deactivated transistor, a current induced in the inductors may be applied to a capacitor connected to the power factor conversion circuit (e.g., capacitor (243) of FIG. 2 and / or capacitor (850) of FIG. 8). Since the current is used to charge the capacitor, the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors may be reduced between the time intervals. When the power factor conversion circuit is controlled based on CrM, the transistor may be deactivated until the magnitude of the current is reduced to 0. When the magnitude of the current corresponds to 0, the transistor may be activated again.

[0102] By using inductors having different inductances, the time and / or speed at which the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors decreases can be controlled according to the load of the electronic components connected to the power circuit including the power factor conversion circuit. For example, when the load is light, not all of the inductors may saturate. The composite inductance of the inductors may correspond to the sum of the inductances of the inductors. When the load increases, some of the inductors may (preferentially) saturate. The composite inductance of the inductors may correspond to the sum of the inductances of the remaining inductors excluding the saturated inductors. As the load increases, the composite inductance may (discretely) decrease. As the composite inductance decreases, the time for the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors to decrease may decrease. As the composite inductance decreases, the speed at which the magnitude of the current induced in the inductors decreases may increase. For example, as the composite inductance decreases, the period during which the transistor is turned off can be reduced. For example, the electrical energy stored in the inductors can be transferred more quickly to the capacitor.

[0103] As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a series connection of inductors having different inductances. When the power consumption (or load) of the electronic device increases, the inductors may become partially saturated. The partial saturation of the inductors may increase the switching frequency of a power circuit (or power factor conversion circuit) including the inductors. If not all of the inductors are saturated, the switching frequency of the power circuit (or power factor conversion circuit) including the inductors may decrease, and switching loss may be reduced.

[0104] In one embodiment, a method may be required to efficiently provide power to an electronic component while the power consumption of the electronic component increases by selectively (or preferentially) saturating at least one of the inductors receiving the rectified AC signal. In one embodiment, a method may be required to adaptively change a switching frequency (or a factor determining the switching frequency) of a power circuit (or a power factor conversion circuit) according to the power consumption of the electronic component. As described above, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include at least one electronic component, and a power circuit (e.g., the power circuit (170) of FIG. 1) configured to transmit a direct current (DC) signal to the at least one electronic component. The power circuit may include a rectifier circuit (e.g., the rectifier circuit (220) of FIG. 2) configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) signal when the alternating current (AC) signal is received. The power circuit may include a capacitor (e.g., a capacitor (243) of FIG. 2). The power circuit may include a power factor conversion circuit (e.g., a power factor conversion circuit (240) of FIG. 2) configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing a phase of a current of the AC signal. The power circuit may include a DC-DC conversion circuit (e.g., a DC-DC conversion circuit (250) of FIG. 2) configured to generate the DC signal for driving the at least one electronic component using the power charged in the capacitor. The power circuit may include a first inductor (e.g., a first inductor (231) of FIG. 2 and / or a first inductor (610) of FIG. 6) having one end connected to the rectifier circuit and having a first inductance.The power circuit may include a second inductor having one end connected to the other end of the first inductor, the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit, and having a second inductance different from the first inductance (e.g., the second inductor (232) of FIG. 2, and / or the second inductor (620) of FIG. 6).

[0105] For example, the first inductor includes a first conductor (e.g., the first conductor (619) of FIG. 6) having one end connected to the rectifier circuit and the other end connected to the second inductor, a first bobbin (e.g., the first bobbin (615) of FIG. 6) having an outer surface around which the first conductor is wound and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface defining a first through hole, a first base portion disposed on a first opening forming one end of the first through hole, and a first core (e.g., the first core (611) of FIG. 6) coupled to the first bobbin and including a first protrusion disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the first opening, and a second base portion disposed on a second opening forming the other end opposite to the one end of the first through hole, and coupled to the first bobbin and partially penetrating the first through hole through the second opening, and the first It may include a second core (e.g., the second core (612) of FIG. 6) disposed within the through hole and including a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion.The second inductor comprises a second conductor (e.g., the second conductor (629) of FIG. 6) including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit), a second bobbin (e.g., the second bobbin (625) of FIG. 6) including an outer surface around which the second conductor is wound and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface of the second conductor and defining a second through hole, a third base portion disposed on a third opening forming one end of the second through hole, and a third core (e.g., the third core (621) of FIG. 6) coupled to the second bobbin and including a third protrusion disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the second through hole through the third opening, and a fourth base portion disposed on a fourth opening forming the other end opposite to the one end of the second through hole, and coupled to the second bobbin and partially penetrating the fourth opening. A fourth core (e.g., the fourth core (622) of FIG. 6) may be included, which includes a fourth protrusion disposed within the second through hole and spaced apart from the third protrusion.

[0106] For example, the distance between the first protrusion of the first core and the second protrusion of the second core (e.g., distance (d3) in FIG. 6) may be different from the distance between the third protrusion of the third core and the fourth protrusion of the fourth core (e.g., distance (d4) in FIG. 6) to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0107] For example, the first width of the first protrusion of the first core of the first inductor may be different from the second width of the third protrusion of the third core of the second inductor to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0108] For example, the first protrusion of the first core may have a cylindrical shape. The first width may correspond to the diameter of one side of the first protrusion having the cylindrical shape.

[0109] For example, the first protrusion of the first core may have the shape of a square pillar. The first width may correspond to the length of an edge of one side of the first protrusion having the shape of a square pillar.

[0110] For example, the height between one side of the first base portion facing the first through hole and the other side of the first base portion may be different from the height between one side of the third base portion facing the second through hole and the other side of the third base portion, so as to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0111] For example, the first core may include a first sidewall portion extending from the first base portion and spaced apart from the first protrusion. The second core may include a second sidewall portion extending from the second base portion, spaced apart from the second protrusion, and in contact with one end of the first sidewall portion.

[0112] For example, the first inductor may include a first conductive wire having one end connected to the rectifier circuit and the other end connected to the second inductor. The first inductor may include a first bobbin having an outer surface around which the first conductive wire is wound and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a first through hole. The first inductor may include a first core including a first base portion disposed on a first opening forming one end of the first through hole, and a first protrusion coupled to the first bobbin and disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the first opening. The first inductor may include a second core including a second base portion at least partially overlapping a second opening forming the other end opposite the one end of the first through hole. The second inductor may include a second conductor, having one end connected to the other end of the first conductor, and the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit. The second inductor may include a second bobbin including a second through hole including an outer surface around which the second conductor is wound. The second inductor may include a third core, including a third base portion disposed on a third opening forming one end of the second through hole, and a second protrusion coupled to the second bobbin and disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the second through hole through the third opening. The second inductor may include a fourth core including a fourth base portion at least partially overlapping a fourth opening forming the other end opposite the one end of the second through hole.

[0113] For example, within the first through hole, the distance between the first protrusion of the first core and the second base portion of the second core may be different from the distance between the second protrusion of the third core and the fourth base portion of the fourth core within the second through hole, so as to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0114] For example, the first width of the first through hole of the first bobbin may be different from the second width of the second through hole of the second bobbin to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0115] For example, the first protrusion of the first core may have a cylindrical shape. The first width may correspond to the diameter of one side of the first protrusion of the first core having a cylindrical shape.

[0116] For example, the first protrusion of the first core may have the shape of a square pillar. The first width may correspond to the length of an edge of one side of the first protrusion of the first core having the shape of a square pillar.

[0117] For example, the height between one side of the second base portion of the second core and the other side of the second base portion may be different from the height between one side of the fourth base portion and the other side of the fourth base portion to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0118] For example, the first core may include a side wall portion extending from the first base portion of the first core toward the second base portion of the second core, spaced apart from the first protrusion.

[0119] For example, the power circuit may include another capacitor having one end connected to one end of the first inductor and the other end connected to a ground node.

[0120] For example, the power factor conversion circuit may include a diode having an anode connected to the other end of the second inductor and a cathode connected to the capacitor. The power factor conversion circuit may include a transistor configured to control an electrical connection between the anode and a ground node. The power factor conversion circuit may include a controller that controls the transistor.

[0121] For example, the controller may be configured to control the transistor to establish the electrical connection between the anode and the ground node during a first time interval of a fixed length. The controller may be configured to control the transistor to release the electrical connection based on an expiration of the first time interval. The controller may be configured to detect a magnitude of a current induced in at least one of the first inductor or the second inductor during a second time interval, starting from a time at which the electrical connection is released. The controller may be configured to control the transistor to establish the electrical connection based on detecting that the magnitude has decreased below a specified magnitude.

[0122] According to one embodiment, a power circuit as described above may include rectifier circuitry configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) signal when receiving the AC signal. The power circuit may include a capacitor. The power circuit may include power factor correction circuitry configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing a phase of a current of the AC signal. The power circuit may include a first inductor having one end connected to the rectifier circuit and having a first inductance. The power circuit may include a second inductor having one end connected to the other end of the first inductor, having the other end connected to the power factor correction circuit, and having a second inductance different from the first inductance.

[0123] For example, the first inductor may include a first conductive wire having one end connected to the rectifier circuit and the other end connected to the second inductor. The first inductor may include a first bobbin having an outer surface around which the first conductive wire is wound and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a first through hole. The first inductor may include a first core including a first base portion disposed on a first opening forming one end of the first through hole, and a first protrusion coupled to the first bobbin and disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the first opening. The first inductor may include a second base portion disposed on a second opening forming an opposite end of the first through hole, and a second core coupled to the first bobbin and including a second protrusion disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the second opening and spaced apart from the first protrusion. The second inductor may include a second conductor, the second conductor including one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit. The second inductor may include a second bobbin including an outer surface around which the second conductor is wound, and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface of the second conductor and defining a second through hole. The second inductor may include a third core, which includes a third base portion disposed on a third opening forming one end of the second through hole, and a third protrusion coupled to the second bobbin and disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the second through hole through the third opening.The second inductor may include a fourth base portion disposed on a fourth opening forming an opposite end of the second through hole, and a fourth core coupled to the second bobbin and including a fourth protrusion disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the fourth opening and spaced apart from the third protrusion. A distance between the first protrusion of the first core and the second protrusion of the second core within the first through hole of the first bobbin may be configured to be different from a distance between the third protrusion of the third core and the fourth protrusion of the fourth core within the second through hole of the second bobbin so as to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance.

[0124] As used herein, the term "if" will be understood to mean "when, upon," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, "if it is determined to," or "if [the stated condition or event] is detected," will optionally be understood to mean "upon determining," or "in response to determining," "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]," or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]."

[0125] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0126] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0127] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording means or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program commands, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0128] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0129] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, At least one electronic component; and A power circuit configured to transmit a direct current (DC) signal to at least one electronic component, The above power circuit: A rectifier circuitry configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) signal when receiving the AC signal; capacitor; A power-factor correction circuitry configured to control charging of the capacitor based on the rectified AC signal by changing the phase of the current of the AC signal; A DC-DC converting circuitry configured to generate the DC signal for driving the at least one electronic component by using the power charged in the capacitor; A first inductor having a first inductance and including one end connected to the above rectifier circuit; A second inductor including one end connected to the other end of the first inductor, the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit, and having a second inductance different from the first inductance. Electronic devices.

2. In claim 1, the first inductor: A first conductive wire comprising one end connected to the rectifier circuit and the other end connected to the second inductor; A first bobbin comprising an outer surface around which the first conductor is wound, and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface and defining a first through hole; A first core including a first base portion disposed on a first opening forming one end of the first through hole, and a first protrusion coupled to the first bobbin and disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the first opening; and A second base portion disposed on a second opening forming an opposite end of the first through hole, and a second core coupled to the first bobbin, the second core including a second protrusion disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the second opening, and spaced apart from the first protrusion, and The above second inductor: A second conductor comprising one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit; A second bobbin comprising an outer surface around which the second conductor is wound, and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface of the second conductor and defining a second through hole; A third core including a third base portion disposed on a third opening forming one end of the second through hole, and a third protrusion coupled to the second bobbin and disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the second through hole through the third opening; and A fourth base portion disposed on a fourth opening forming the opposite end of the second through hole, and a fourth core coupled to the second bobbin, the fourth core including a fourth protrusion disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the fourth opening and spaced apart from the third protrusion. Electronic devices.

3. In claim 2, the distance between the first protrusion of the first core and the second protrusion of the second core is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the distance between the third protrusion of the third core and the fourth protrusion of the fourth core is different. Electronic devices.

4. In claim 2, the first width of the first protrusion of the first core of the first inductor is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the second width of the third protrusion of the third core of the second inductor is different, Electronic devices.

5. In claim 4, the first protrusion of the first core is, It has the shape of a cylinder, The above first width corresponds to the diameter of one side of the first protrusion having the shape of a cylinder. Electronic devices.

6. In claim 4, the first protrusion of the first core is, It has the shape of a square pillar, The first width corresponds to the length of the edge of one side of the first protrusion having the shape of the square pillar. Electronic devices.

7. In claim 2, the height between one side of the first base portion facing the first through hole and the other side of the first base portion is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the height between one side of the third base portion facing the second through hole and the other side of the third base portion is different. Electronic devices.

8. In claim 2, the first core, A first sidewall portion extending from the first base portion and spaced apart from the first protrusion; The above second core, A second side wall portion extending from the second base portion, spaced apart from the second protrusion, and in contact with one end of the first side wall portion, Electronic devices.

9. In claim 1, the first inductor: A first conductive wire comprising one end connected to the rectifier circuit and the other end connected to the second inductor; A first bobbin comprising an outer surface around which the first conductor is wound, and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface and defining a first through hole; A first core including a first base portion disposed on a first opening forming one end of the first through hole, and a first protrusion coupled to the first bobbin and disposed within the first through hole by partially penetrating the first through hole through the first opening; and A second core comprising a second base portion, at least partially overlapping with a second opening forming an opposite end of the first through hole, and The above second inductor: A second conductor comprising one end connected to the other end of the first conductor and the other end connected to the power factor conversion circuit; A second bobbin including a second through hole including an outer surface around which the second conductor is wound; A third core including a third base portion disposed on a third opening forming one end of the second through hole, and a second protrusion coupled to the second bobbin and disposed within the second through hole by partially penetrating the second through hole through the third opening; and A fourth core including a fourth base portion, at least partially overlapping with a fourth opening forming an opposite end of the second through hole, Electronic devices.

10. In claim 9, within the first through hole, the distance between the first protrusion of the first core and the second base portion of the second core is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the distance between the second protrusion of the third core and the fourth base portion of the fourth core within the second through hole is configured to be different. Electronic devices.

11. In claim 9, the first width of the first through hole of the first bobbin is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the second width of the second through hole of the second bobbin is different, Electronic devices.

12. In claim 11, the first protrusion of the first core is, It has the shape of a cylinder, The first width corresponds to the diameter of one side of the first protrusion of the first core having the shape of a cylinder. Electronic devices.

13. In claim 11, the first protrusion of the first core is, It has the shape of a square pillar, The first width corresponds to the length of the edge of one side of the first protrusion of the first core having the shape of the square pillar. Electronic devices.

14. In claim 9, the height between one side of the second base portion of the second core and the other side of the second base portion is In order to cause a difference between the first inductance and the second inductance, the height between one side of the fourth base portion and the other side of the fourth base portion is different. Electronic devices.

15. In claim 9, the first core, A side wall portion extending from the first base portion of the first core toward the second base portion of the second core, spaced apart from the first protrusion, Electronic devices.

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