Circuit Module Metal Plate Layout for High-Current Capacitor Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit modules with capacitors as electrode terminals face significant heat generation issues when handling large currents, limiting their effectiveness in DC/DC converter circuits.
Innovation Solution
A circuit module configuration where a metal plate is connected to the substrate and in contact with the capacitor's electrodes, allowing increased current flow and reducing heat generation by using the metal plate as an external terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a capacitor is used as an electrode terminal to achieve miniaturization, then the module size is reduced, but heat generation increases when handling large currents
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode terminal is segmented into two functional parts: the capacitor provides the terminal function for small currents, while a separate metal plate is introduced to handle large currents. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A metal plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the capacitor and the external circuit. The metal plate serves as a current distributor, directing small currents through the capacitor and large currents through itself, thereby preventing excessive heat generation in the capacitor while maintaining miniaturization benefits.
2Power
If the capacitor electrode thickness is increased to handle large currents, then allowable current increases, but the capacitor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal plate acts as an intermediary that bears the burden of handling large currents, allowing the capacitor to maintain its compact size with thinner electrodes. The metal plate's superior current-carrying capacity compensates for the reduced electrode thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the current distribution parameters by introducing a dual-path configuration: one path through the capacitor for small currents and another path through the metal plate for large currents. This parameter change allows the capacitor to operate within safe current limits while the overall system handles large currents effectively.
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 configuration allows for reduced or prevented heat generation in capacitors, enhancing their performance in high-current applications by increasing allowable current and improving heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a metal plate connected to the substrate, that is in contact with the second electrode portion and the third electrode portion
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit module includes a substrate, a DC/DC converter mounted on the substrate, and a capacitor including a pair of electrodes each including an upper electrode portion facing the second main surface, a lower electrode portion opposing the upper electrode portion, and a side-surface electrode portion connecting the upper electrode portion and the lower electrode portion. The circuit module includes metal plates connected to the substrate and exposed to the outside. The metal plates are in contact with the lower electrode portion and the side-surface electrode portion. The metal plates are in contact with the lower electrode portion and the side-surface electrode portion.