Anisotropic Magnetic Core Inductors with Bias Coils for CMOS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack efficient and compact inductors capable of high inductance (>1 nH), low resistance (100 mA), and high frequency response for switched-inductor power conversion, particularly in small areas required for CMOS integration, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased power loss.
Innovation Solution
The development of inductive elements with anisotropic magnetic cores and biasing coils to control permeability, utilizing soft ferromagnetic materials like Co, Ni, or Fe alloys, and applying magnetic fields to align the hard axis with the inductor coil's magnetic field, thereby enhancing inductance and reducing coercivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional power supply designs are used, then simplicity of design is maintained, but device footprint becomes large and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from line frequency (50-60 Hz) to switching frequency (kHz-MHz range), enabling the use of smaller magnetic cores and capacitors while maintaining power conversion functionality. This parameter change directly reduces the device footprint without compromising design simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching action using pulse-width modulation (PWM) to control power transfer. The switching element periodically connects and disconnects the input voltage to the inductor, enabling efficient power conversion in a compact form factor. This periodic action replaces the continuous operation of linear regulators, reducing component sizes.
2Area of stationary object
If switched-mode power conversion is implemented, then device footprint and efficiency are improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion function with the load circuit by integrating the inductor directly into the load interface. The switching element, inductor, and control circuitry are combined into a unified power management module, reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-regulating power conversion where the control circuit automatically adjusts switching duty cycle based on load conditions and output voltage feedback. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external regulation circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient power delivery.
3Power
If high current is delivered at low voltage, then power delivery capability is improved, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency periodic switching to transfer power in controlled pulses. By switching at kHz-MHz frequencies, the inductor can deliver high current in short bursts, reducing resistive losses (I²R) while maintaining average power delivery capability. The periodic action allows recovery time between current pulses, preventing continuous high current flow and associated losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage and current waveform parameters from continuous sine wave to pulsed DC with controlled duty cycle. This parameter change enables precise control of power delivery, delivering high current only when needed while maintaining lower average current, thereby reducing power loss in conductors and switching elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the creation of high-quality, compact inductors with improved energy efficiency, reduced power loss, and increased inductance, suitable for integrated power conversion in microelectronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a bias coil arranged to generate a bias magnetic field orthogonal to all or part of the magnetic field that is generated by the inductor coil
Implementation Method 2
anisotropic magnetic core... applying magnetic fields to align the hard axis with the inductor coil's magnetic field, thereby enhancing inductance and reducing coercivity
Implementation Method 3
an inductor coil wrapped around the core, the inductor coil configured to generate a magnetic field parallel to the core plane
Data Source
AI summary
Inductive elements comprising anisotropic media and biasing coils for magnetically biasing thereof and methods of manufacture and operation for use in applications such as microelectronics. Application of an electrical current through the bias coils generates a magnetic field that biases the magnetic material such that a desirable orientation of anisotropy is achieved throughout the magnetic core and enables modulation of the inductive response of the device. Electrical conductors coupled to interconnects are magnetically coupled to magnetic core layers to produce self and/or mutual inductors.