Concentric IC Transformer With Magnetic Field Concentration for Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-voltage domain devices, such as HV gate driver circuits, face inefficiencies in signal transmission between electrically-isolated voltage domains due to poor magnetic coupling in vertical transformers, leading to high driving losses and costly manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A lateral transformer design using high-magnetic permeability materials for guided magnetic field flow, with a concentric arrangement of coils and a field concentrating structure to enhance magnetic coupling, allowing for efficient energy transfer without requiring changes in the manufacturing process for different isolation levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If vertical transformers are used for signal transmission between isolated voltage domains, then electrical isolation is achieved, but magnetic coupling is poor leading to high driving losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving lossesVSAvoidmagnetic coupling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical transformer architecture by implementing a lateral transformer where the magnetic coupling occurs in the lateral direction rather than vertically. This inversion allows the magnetic fields to be generated adjacently in the same plane, significantly improving magnetic coupling efficiency and reducing driving losses while maintaining voltage domain isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic core structure as an intermediary element that facilitates and enhances the magnetic coupling between the primary and secondary windings. The magnetic core acts as a mediator that guides and concentrates magnetic flux, enabling efficient energy transfer between the laterally separated coils while maintaining electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If different isolation levels are required for different voltage domains, then electrical isolation is optimized, but manufacturing process changes are required increasing cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation levelVSAvoidmanufacturing process cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral transformer design provides a universal solution that can accommodate different isolation levels without requiring changes to the manufacturing process. The same fabrication process can be used to produce transformers with various isolation characteristics by adjusting design parameters such as winding geometry, core material, and lateral spacing, rather than requiring different manufacturing processes for different isolation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves different isolation levels by changing physical parameters of the transformer design (such as lateral dimensions, winding configurations, and magnetic core properties) rather than changing the manufacturing process itself. This allows flexible adjustment of isolation characteristics while maintaining manufacturing consistency and reducing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 lateral transformer design improves energy transfer efficiency between voltage domains, reduces transfer losses, and allows for flexible isolation levels within existing manufacturing processes, making it a cost-effective solution for multi-voltage domain devices.

Implementation Method 1

the first coil and the second coil are magnetically coupled to each other in the lateral direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the field concentrating structure is configured to attract a first magnetic field produced by the first coil such that the first magnetic field is concentrated about the first coil, and attract a second magnetic field produced by the second coil such that the second magnetic field is concentrated about the second coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field concentration: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240296990A1Integrated circuit transformer with concentric windings and magnetically active material

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 INFINEON TECH AUSTRIA AG

AI summary

A multi-voltage domain device includes a circuit substrate comprising a first region comprising first circuitry, a second region comprising second circuitry, and an isolation region that electrically isolates the first region and the second region; a stack insulator layer arranged on the circuit substrate; a first coil arranged in the stack insulator layer and electrically coupled to the first circuitry; a second coil arranged in the stack insulator layer and electrically coupled to the second circuitry and magnetically coupled to the first coil; and a field concentrating structure arranged on the circuit substrate. The field concentrating structure is configured to attract a first magnetic field produced by the first coil such that the first magnetic field is concentrated about the first coil, and attract a second magnetic field produced by the second coil such that the second magnetic field is concentrated about the second coil.