Capacitor Current Path Layout for Lower Proximity Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitors experience performance degradation at high frequencies and large capacitances due to proximity effect losses, primarily caused by magnetic field lines not being parallel to the electrodes, leading to increased losses and decreased quality factor.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic core along the edges of the electrodes to straighten magnetic field lines, positioning capacitors within a magnetic core to align field lines with electrodes, and routing return current paths above or below the conductive sheet to reduce proximity effect losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If capacitors are used with large capacitance values or at high frequencies, then the capacitor can store more energy or operate at higher speeds, but proximity effect losses increase due to magnetic field lines not being parallel to the electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic core is introduced as an intermediary component between and around the capacitor electrodes. This magnetic core serves as a mediator that guides and straightens the magnetic field lines, forcing them to be parallel to the electrode surfaces, thereby eliminating the proximity effect losses that would otherwise occur at high capacitance values and frequencies
2Device complexity
If return current paths are routed through the same plane as forward current paths, then the circuit layout is simpler, but current crowding occurs at edges leading to increased losses
Solution Approach 1:
The return current path is moved from the same plane as the forward current path to a different dimension by routing it through a via hole to an adjacent conductive layer. This dimensional transition allows the return path to run parallel to the forward path without edge contact, eliminating current crowding losses while maintaining layout simplicity through systematic layer usage
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
The proposed solutions effectively reduce proximity effect losses, enhancing capacitor performance across various capacitance values and frequencies by making magnetic field lines more parallel to the electrodes and minimizing current crowding, thereby improving the quality factor and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
In many applications, it would be advantageous to improve efficiency by minimizing power losses. The proposed solutions effectively reduce proximity effect losses, enhancing capacitor performance across various capacitance values and frequencies by making magnetic field lines more parallel to the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
at least one conductive sheet forming a forward current path from a first terminal of the at least one conductive sheet to a second terminal of the at least one conductive sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one conductive sheet forming a forward current path from a first terminal of the at least one conductive sheet to a second terminal of the at least one conductive sheet. The at least one conductive sheet has a top, a bottom, and at least one edge. The apparatus also includes at least one conductor forming a return current path from the second terminal. The at least one conductor extends over the top of the at least one conductive sheet or below the bottom of the at least one conductive sheet.